Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

Proceedings

Twenty-Ninth Annual Communication February 4 - 5, 2010

JOHN R. “BO” CLINE GRAND MASTER 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS ROLL CALL ...... 1 SOLEMN CEREMONIES ...... 2 MESSAGE OF THE M. W. GRAND MASTER ...... 4 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GRAND SECRETARY ...... 13 STATUS OF LODGES ...... 16 REPORT OF THE FRATERNAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE ...... 17 1ST REPORT ...... 17 2ND REPORT ...... 17 3RD REPORT ...... 19 REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE ...... 20 APPOINTMENT OF REGULAR COMMITTEES ...... 21 STANDING COMMITTEES ...... 21 APPOINTED SUB COMMITTEES ...... 22 REPORTS OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS ...... 24 MOTIONS ...... 24 RESOLUTIONS ...... 24 CARRYOVER RESOLUTION 2009-1 ...... 24 CARRYOVER RESOLUTION 2009-2 ...... 25 CARRYOVER RESOLUTION 2009-4 ...... 27 CARRYOVER RESOLUTION 2009-10 ...... 29 RESOLUTION 2010-1 ...... 31 RESOLUTION 2010-2 ...... 41 RESOLUTION 2010-3 ...... 44 RESOLUTION 2010-4 ...... 45 RESOLUTION 2010-5 ...... 47 RESOLUTION 2010-6 ...... 49 RESOLUTION 2010-7 ...... 51 RESOLUTION 2010-8 ...... 53 RESOLUTION 2010-9 ...... 55 RESOLUTION 2010-10 ...... 57 RESOLUTION 2010-11 ...... 62 EMERGENT RESOLUTION 2010-1 ...... 63 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES ...... 66 JURISPRUDENCE COMMITTEE ...... 66 1st Report ...... 66 2nd Report ...... 66 3rd Report...... 67 4th Report ...... 68 5th Report ...... 68 6th Report ...... 69 7th Report ...... 70 8th Report ...... 70 9th Report ...... 71 10th Report ...... 71 11th Report ...... 72 12th Report ...... 73 13th Report ...... 73 14th Report ...... 74 15th Report ...... 75 16th Report ...... 75 GRIEVANCE AND APPEALS ...... 76 FINANCE ...... 76 Report of the Grand Treasurer ...... 76 Report of the Finance Committee ...... 77 Audit Committee Report ...... 80 Balance Sheet ...... 81 Budget for 2010 ...... 83 MASONIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ...... 87 MASONIC PUBLIC RELATIONS ...... 87 MASONIC YOUTH ...... 87 BYLAWS ...... 90 PUBLIC SCHOOLS ...... 91 REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES ...... 91 REPORT OF GRAND CHAPLAIN (NECROLOGY) ...... 91 REPORT OF GRAND LECTURER ...... 93 REPORT OF GRAND ORATOR ...... 94 REPORT OF GRAND HISTORIAN ...... 95 CHARTERS AND DISPENSATIONS ...... 98 LEADERSHIP TRAINING ...... 98 MILITARY RECOGNITION ...... 98 GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL MEMORIAL ...... 100 RUSSIAN MASONRY ...... 100 WILLS AND ENDOWMENTS ...... 100 LONG-RANGE PLANNING ...... 100 INTERNET & PUBLICATIONS ...... 101 SEGREGATIONS AND REFERENCE COMMITTEE ...... 102 RITUAL CONSOLIDATION COMMITTEE ...... 103 ALASKA MASONIC CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE ...... 103 REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT DEPUTIES OF THE GRAND MASTER...... 112 AWARDS COMMITTEE ...... 114 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ...... 115 GRAND LODGE OF ALASKA CORPORATION ANNUAL MEETING ...... 115 ALASKA MASONIC FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN ANNUAL MEETING ...... 116 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GRAND LODGE OF ALASKA 2010 ANNUAL COMMUNICATION ...... 117 SPEECHES BY DISTINGUISHED GUESTS ...... 117 ELECTION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS...... 121 INSTALLATION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS ...... 122

ROLL CALL

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

Grand Master MW John R. “Bo” Cline Deputy Grand Master RW Johnnie L. Wallace Senior Grand Warden RW Ronald L. Ackerman Junior Grand Warden RW Jerry W. Pinion Grand Treasurer RW James D. Grubbs Grand Secretary RW Jerome P. Wasson Grand Chaplain W Van O. Chaney Grand Lecturer W John K. Bishop Grand Orator W Clarence Keto Grand Historian W Roger A. Barnstead Grand Marshal W Kevin C. Tennant Senior Grand Deacon W Dale Gillian Junior Grand Deacon W Jeffrey W. Defreest (Pro Tem) Grand Standard Bearer W Ronald K. Bowen Grand Sword Bearer W Frank G. Weiss III Grand Bible Bearer W John Paul Jones Senior Grand Steward VW Darrell E. Windsor Junior Grand Steward W James Peasley Grand Organist W Dwight E. Morris (absent) Grand Tyler W David R. Oaks (Pro Tem)

CONSTITUENT LODGES (Would the most Senior Representative please respond?)

White Pass Lodge No. 1 Tanana Lodge No. 3 Valdez Lodge No. 4 Mt. McKinley Lodge No. 5 Seward Lodge No. 6 Matanuska Lodge No. 7 Kodiak Lodge No. 9 Glacier Lodge No. 10 Kenai Lodge No. 11 Fairbanks Lodge No. 12 Eagle River Lodge No. 13 Aurora Lodge No. 15 North Pole Lodge No. 16 Anchorage Lodge No. 17 Mt. Verstovia Lodge No. 18 Ketchikan Lodge No. 19 Iditarod Lodge No. 20 Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux Lodge No. 21 Sterling Lodge No. 22 Petersburg Lodge No. 23

MW Grand Master, all Grand Lodge Officers, except the Grand Organist, and 20 lodges are represented and we, therefore, have a Constitutional quorum to open Grand Lodge.

RW Jerome P. “Jerry” Wasson Grand Secretary

SOLEMN CEREMONIES

The public opening of the Twenty-Ninth Annual Communication of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska was opened at 8:00 AM on February 4, 2010, by Worshipful Brother Theodore “Ted” Hutchinson. The program for the public ceremonies included:

Entrance of Grand Lodge Officers Flag presentation performed by the Heroes of ‘76 Pledge of Allegiance U.S. and Canadian National Anthems The Alaska Flag Song Welcome to representatives of the Youth Groups Introduction of Representatives of Concordant Bodies

Representatives of Concordant Bodies present included:

Al Aska Shrine Temple Dave Worel, Potentate Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction Dale S. Cain, Deputy in Alaska to the Sovereign Grand Commander Grand Commandry, Knights Templar of Alaska L. F. “Buck” Buxton, Right Eminent Grand Commander Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Alaska Leonard C. Bibler, Most Illustrious Grand Master Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alaska Johnnie L. Wallace, Grand High Priest Order of Eastern Star Claudia Johnson, Deputy to the Most Worthy Grand Matron in Alaska Grand Court of Alaska, Amaranth Rita Grady, Grand Royal Matron DeMolay International Dale Gillian, Executive Officer in Alaska Sawyer Gillian, Kenai Chapter Alaska DeMolay Jonathan Cox, State Master Councilor (Oklahoma) Gayle Cox, State Mother Advisor (Oklahoma) International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Gabrielle Hazelton, Supreme Deputy in Alaska Miss Heather Spence, Grand Worthy Advisor

Anne Ruppert, Grand Mother Advisor International Order of Job’s Daughters, Bethel No. 1, Anchorage Jenny Anderson, Director of Epoch Brynn Johnson, Honored Queen Joette Jones, Anchorage, Director of Hospitality Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America Robin Hasty, High Priestess, Waheed Court No. 1

The formal opening of the Twenty-Ninth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska was opened at 10:00 AM on February 4, 2010, by Most Worshipful John R. “Bo” Cline, Grand Master of Masons in Alaska in Ample form.

The first through fourth sessions of Grand Lodge were called to order by the following brethren respectively:

First Session WB Richard Ackerman Second Session WB V. J. “Nik” Nicholas Third Session WB James Zuke Fourth Session WB Larry Hoevelman

Distinguished Guests present included: Municipality of Anchorage Mr. Larry Baker, Senior Policy Advisor Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska, F. & A. M. MW Clifford Hastings, Grand Master MW Doyle Williams, Grand Secretary Arizona, F. & A.M. RW Brook Cunningham, Senior Grand Warden representing Michael T. Bishop, Grand Master RW Jeffrey “Jeff” Carlton, Junior Grand Deacon California, F. & A. M. MW Ken G. Nagel, Grand Master RW Bill Bray, Deputy Grand Master RW Frank Loui, Senior Grand Warden Nevada, F. & A. M. MW Carl “Bud” Banks, Grand Master Oregon, A. F. & A. M. MW D. Arthur Bush, Grand Master RW Ed Boesquet, Deputy Grand Master Pennsylvania, F. & A. M. RW Edward O. Weisser , Past Grand Master

Utah, F. & A. M. MW Ridgely H. Gilmour, Past Grand Master representing Loyd Davis, Grand Master Vermont, F. & A. M. MW Earl Washburn, Past Grand Master representing Thomas Johnson Grand Master Washington, F. & A.M. RW Doug Heinemann, Junior Grand Warden RW David Owen, Grand Secretary MW William R. Miller Past Grand Master MW Alvin Jorgensen, Past Grand Master VW Daniel Moss, PDDGM Wyoming, F. & A. M. MW Harry Oberg III, Grand Master British Columbia & Yukon, A. F. & A. M MW Brian Tukey, Grand Master MW Stephen Godfrey, Past Grand Master

MESSAGE OF THE M. W. GRAND MASTER

To the Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

elcome to the Twenty-Ninth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska. It gives me great W pleasure to extend a special greeting to the visiting Grand Masters and dignitaries from other jurisdictions. I know how busy your schedules are and I really appreciate that you have taken the time to come and share in the fellowship with us. Please do not hesitate to ask, if there is anything we can do to make your stay more enjoyable.

APPOINTMENTS

The following brethren were appointed to additional duties during the year:

W James M. LeFlore as chairman of the Fund Raising committee with all sitting Worshipful Masters as committee members

MW Stephen L. Cox as my personal representative to the Grand Lodge of Kansas

MW John H. Grainger as my personal representative to the Grand Lodge of Russia

RW Johnnie L. Wallace as my personal representative to the Grand Lodge of Florida

RW Ronald L. Ackerman as my personal representative to the Grand Lodge of Idaho

RW Jerry W. Pinion as my personal representative to the Grand Lodge of Arizona

Brother Jerry W. Lewis as my personal representative to the Grand Lodge of Maine VW William Goodwin as the Grand Lodge of Alaska Representative to the Masonic Service Association of North America’s Hospital Visit Program

RW Johnnie L. Wallace (Chair), RW Jerome P. (Jerry) Wasson, and MW Henry T. Dunbar as a special committee, working with a committee from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska to survey U.S. Prince Hall Grand Lodges which are in amity with their mainstream counterparts

RW Jerome P. (Jerry) Wasson (Chair), VW V. Clifford Darnell, W James S. Zuke, and W David R. Oaks as a Ritual Performance Recognition Committee

MW L.V. Joe Dees (Chair), MW Charles Corbin, and MW Don Chaffin as the Segregations and Reference Committee

RW Philip S. Lee (Chair), RW Bobby W. Alexander, and VW James R. Herrington as the Grand Lodge Audit Committee

NECROLOGY

It is my sad duty to report that, since our last Annual Communication, 51 of our brethren have laid down their working tools and answered the call of the Great Architect of the Universe. We mourn their passing and share that sadness with their families. Our Grand Chaplain, Worshipful Brother Van O. Cheney, will conduct a memorial service later today.

STATE OF THE CRAFT

The Changing Face Of Alaskan Masonry – At the end of 2005, the average age of Alaskan Masons was 65 years old. At the end of 2009, that average age has dropped to 58½ years old. 12% of Alaskan Masons today have been members of the Craft for five years or less and are 42 years old on average. It is plain to see that Masonry in Alaska is getting younger. As I have traveled around the jurisdictions this year, I have experienced a renewed energy and enthusiasm in our Lodges. Our Lodges are branching out and becoming reconnected with their communities, their members enjoy each other’s company, they participate in more group activities, they are pursuing more Masonic education, and improving on their ritual presentations.

Fragile Lodges – On the morning of October 18, 1867 at Baranov’s castle in Sitka, the flag of the United States was raised over the territory of Alaska for the first time. The

5 fellow who raised that flag was Frederick Sloan Sargent, a Freemason. Freemasonry spread throughout the territory, where Masons tilled the soil, mined the ore, caught the fish, and cut the trees. Along the way, those Freemasons built the villages, towns, cities, and created communities throughout this great state. In each of those communities, Masons practiced their craft and established Lodges, Chapters, Courts, and Assemblies. As Masonry grew throughout the Country, it also grew in Alaska. Times have changed, and with that change remote Alaskan communities have seen a more dramatic decline in their social, civic, and religious institutions. The impact of this decline on Alaskan Freemasonry is a degradation of Masonry at those locations at the end of the trap line. Over the past decade we have experienced the loss of Masonry in the communities of Adak and Nome, we have seen lodges consolidated in Ketchikan, Juneau and Anchorage, and today Masonry in the communities of Petersburg, Cordova, Seward, and Kodiak is on life support. If we don’t see a reawakening in those communities, we are destined to see a loss of Masonry there, as well. Grand Lodge cannot enroll new members in and reinvigorate our constituent lodges. We can and will continue to provide resource material, officer training, assistance in performing degree work, and encouragement. The success or failure of any lodge however is dependent upon the energy of its members and Masonry’s acceptance within the community.

Status of Law Suit – In November 2004, three members of the Grand Lodge of Alaska brought a civil suit against two elected Past Grand Lodge officers for actions they took while serving in their respective positions. At the Annual Communication of Grand Lodge in 2005, the Grand Master declared that Grand Lodge would assume responsibility for the legal fees of the two Past Grand Lodge officers. Also, at that Annual Communication, the members of Grand Lodge approved a resolution to make it a Masonic Offense to bring legal action against a lodge or Grand Lodge or against a member of the same without first complying with all of the provisions of the Alaska Masonic Code. In 2007, the suit was dismissed by the trial judge. In September of that year, the case was appealed by the plaintiffs to the State of Alaska Appellate Court. At the Annual Communications in 2007 and 2008, the members of Grand Lodge approved a $10 per capita special assessment to pay accumulated legal fees of the Past Grand Lodge officers. According to the State of Alaska Case Management System, the assigned judge has issued an initial draft of a judgment, which is being circulated for review by the entire court. As no legal fees have been accumulated since the last special assessment was approved by Grand Lodge, I will not be recommending any additional assessment this year.

This year with the assistance and recommendation of Mrs. Debbie Ackerman, I have directed the Grand Treasurer to purchase Director and Officers Liability Insurance to cover the elected Grand Lodge officers in the performance of their duties. This insurance will remain part of the Grand Lodge’s insurance portfolio to protect Grand Lodge from any future litigation.

Grand Lodge Endowments – In March of this year, the Grand Lodge received notification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that the Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children (AMFC) had been granted charitable status under Section 501 (c) 3 of their

6 code. AMFC is the Grand Lodge’s Charitable Endowment, which sponsors the Grand Lodge of Alaska Visual Arts and Music Scholarship (Edward O. Weisser Scholarship) and the Alaska Masonic Model Student Assistance Program. This year, I appealed to the members of our Grand Lodge for money to support the Scholarship portion of our endowment. Thanks to the generous contributions of Alaska Masons, Grand Lodge netted $10,614.07 for the endowment fund. When this money was added to the balance in the Scholarship fund, we now are in a position to distribute approximately $1,000 annually to deserving Alaskan High School Seniors to support their pursuit of further education in the arts and sustain the fund indefinitely. Additionally, I named a Scholarship Committee to develop criteria for selection of scholarship awardees, to promote the scholarship throughout Alaskan Secondary Schools, and to make a selection of the best qualified individuals to receive this year’s grant. As of this writing, the Scholarship Committee has made their selection and will present the award at the Public Opening of Grand Lodge. Future contributions to the scholarship fund will grow this endowment and make future disbursements even larger.

The Alaska Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (AMMSAP) makes resources available to train Alaska’s Public School Teachers and Administrators on how to identify children at risk from abuse and to help them identify the tools available to prevent that abuse, so that Alaskan children can live healthy and productive lives. It is the goal of the AMFC, as identified in the Grand Lodge Strategic Plan, to grow this endowment through grants, outside funding sources, and the generous donations from Alaska’s Masonic Lodges and their members to make this a viable and fundamental program to help stem the abuse of children in Alaska.

Internet – Our Grand Lodge web site was updated this past spring by WB Tad Dean. Subsequently, our site was reviewed by Greg Stewart of Freemason Information Blog. Tad made additional updates to address the suggestions made. Later, Tad informed me that, as he codes our web site using native “hypertext markup language” (html), he had reached the limit of his capability. He suggested that if Grand Lodge wished to have a more professional looking site with additional graphics, we needed to either contract out to have our site upgraded or purchase some sophisticated web authoring software with training to perform the upgrades in house.

The Grand Lodge of Alaska web site is gradually becoming our face to the world and the primary means with which we communicate with our members. In my opinion, we need to enhance it to make it more attractive and user friendly. We also need to make it more accessible for adding and updating content.

Alaska Masonic Family Group – I chose “Unity” as the theme for my year as your Grand Master and selected the trowel as the symbol to represent that theme. I figuratively wished to use the trowel to spread the cement of Brotherly Love and Affection among all Alaskan Masons, and had the specific goal of strengthening the bonds of friendship between the Grand Lodge of Alaska and our concordant bodies. I stand before you today to report that that goal has been met. On May 9, the Grand Lodge team met in fellowship with the leadership of each of the concordant Masonic bodies, at the first annual Alaska

Masonic Family Group meeting. A major accomplishment of this meeting was a mutual agreement to share information between Grand Lodge and the concordant bodies and to create an Alaska Masonic Family events calendar. Additionally, the group agreed to make this meeting an annual occurrence.

Grand Lodge Records – The Grand Lodge of Alaska maintains member records of all Alaskan Masons. The information contained in these records is provided by each of our constituent lodges through monthly and annual reports. This information is essentially necessary to credit our individual members for their accomplishments on their journey through Masonry and is a historical record of our heritage. Currently the information necessary to maintain these records is contained in numerous different places. Within our lodges, it is contained in dusty file folders, in turn of the century card files, on slips of paper, and on various computers in LODGEiCal, Microsoft Excel and Word, and numerous other electronic databases. Within the Grand Lodge this information is contained in five separate and distinct Microsoft Access Databases, in Microsoft Excel and Word, in file cabinets and boxes, and in the ever-present 19th Century card file. The information provided by our lodges to update the information at the Grand Lodge is provided through the US Mail on various lodge forms, slips of paper, backs of envelopes, and scrawled on napkins. It is provided through voicemail and in countless formats over email. Brothers, the information contained in our records is our history and the heart and soul of Masonry. Two hundred years from now, we don’t want our future brethren to lament that we didn’t have the foresight to protect this information from loss and inaccuracy.

Prince Hall Recognition – In April, while attending the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska, I noted that we are one of the youngest Grand Lodges in North America, and as such, I believe we should be extending the hand of brotherly love and friendship to all Prince Hall Grand Lodges who meet the standards of regularity and have treaties of shared jurisdiction. I requested assistance from our Prince Hall Grand Master in extending the bonds of brotherhood to those Prince Hall Grand Lodges that meet the criteria previously mentioned and proposed that we form a joint committee to explore this possibility.

The following day, in his message to the Craft, the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Edward Miller recommended that a committee of Past Grand Masters be formed to work with the Grand Lodge of Alaska to expand on the brotherly love and friendship between our two jurisdictions. This recommendation was unanimously approved by the members present.

I subsequently appointed RW Johnnie L. Wallace, MW Henry Dunbar, and RW Jerome (Jerry) Wasson to work with the members selected by MW Miller.

OFFICIAL ACTS

Proclamations, Edicts, & Rulings –  Proclamation naming April 2009 Public Schools Month in Alaska

 Proclamation naming January 2010 Masonic Youth Month in Alaska  Grand Master’s Ruling authorizing the Order of Eastern Star to place the Square and Compasses on their altar during their meeting in respect for their Masonic members  Grand Master’s Ruling authorizing Master Masons to be clothed as Masons when visiting regular meetings of Masonic Youth in Alaska.  Grand Master’s Ruling authorizing the Alaska Chapter of the Widow’s Sons Masonic Riders Association to operate within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Alaska

Orders Issued – I issued the following orders this past year:  To Seward Lodge No. 6 an order to file their monthly reports with Grand Lodge  To Mt. Juneau/ Gastineaux Lodge No. 21 an order to have Chapter 21 of the Alaska Masonic Code read at a stated communication

Bylaws Approved – I approved the following lodge bylaw changes this past year:  3/9/2009, Kenai Lodge No. 11 – Changed the cost of Life Membership and the start time of stated meetings and designated the recipient of Lodge proceeds upon dissolution.  7/15/2009, Aurora Lodge No. 15 – Added the phrase “Non Profit Fraternal Organization” to the heading.  7/29/2009, Fairbanks Lodge No 12 – Designated the names of recipients of the Lodge’s charities.  10/27/2009, Eagle River No. 13 – Clarified the wording in several sections.

Dispensations & Assessments – I approved the following dispensations:

 February 2009 – established a blanket waiver to allow Lodge members to be clothed as Masons when attending Church Services, Parades, and Community events.  February 13, 2009 – granted Glacier Lodge No. 10 permission to change the date of their April stated communication.  August 10, 2009 – granted Matanuska Lodge No. 7 permission to change the date of their September stated communication.  August 20, 2009 – granted North Pole Lodge No. 16 permission to change their regular meeting place for the purpose of conducting a special communication.  November 24, 2009 – granted North Pole Lodge No. 16 permission to change their regular meeting place for the purpose of conducting their installation of officers.

Restorations – I restored Jonathan Winchester to good standing as a nonaffiliated Mason from a sentence of indefinite suspension in response to an appeal for clemency.

Requests for Amity – I submitted request for amity to the following Grand Jurisdictions:

Arizona, PHA Nebraska, PHA California, PHA Nevada, PHA Colorado, PHA New Jersey, PHA District of Columbia, PHA New Mexico, PHA Hawaii, PHA New York, PHA Illinois, PHA Ohio, PHA Indiana, PHA Oklahoma, PHA Iowa, PHA Ontario, PHA Kansas, PHA Pennsylvania, PHA Maryland, PHA Rhode Island, PHA Massachusetts, PHA Texas, PHA Michigan, PHA Virginia, PHA Minnesota, PHA Washington, PHA Missouri, PHA Wisconsin, PHA

RECOMMENDATIONS

Scholarship Committee – This year, I created the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee as a Grand Master’s Sub-Committee. The committee performed their task admirably and has established the Grand Lodge of Alaska Visual Arts and Music Scholarship as a sustainable grant to be awarded annually. I recommend that this committee be made a standing committee within Grand Lodge to promote the scholarship throughout Alaskan Secondary Schools and to make a selection of the best qualified individuals to receive the grant annually.

Code Review Committee – The Masonic Code Review Committee identified numerous errors, inconsistencies, typos, and omissions in the Alaska Masonic Code. To avoid future irregularities in the Code and the level of effort needed to correct them, I recommend that the Code Review Committee be given the authority to review all legislation passed at all future Annual Communications. Further, I recommend that this Committee be given the authority (with oversight by the Committee on Jurisprudence) to correct errors identified in the passed legislation and change other sections of the Code affected by the passed legislation to ensure consistency throughout the Code.

Ritual Consolidation – I recommend that a resolution to combine the Grand Lodge of Alaska ciphers for the degrees of Masonry and the Alaska Monitor and Freemason’s Guide into a single Alaska Standard Work and Freemasons Guide be approved.

Disciplinary Code – I recommend that the incoming Grand Master for 2010 appoint a Disciplinary Code Review Committee to review, rewrite, and restructure Part IV (Disciplinary Code) and other Sections of the Alaska Masonic Code that might be affected by a new Part IV to make Part IV of the Code more straightforward, consistent, and just.

M.O.R.I. – I recommend a $1.50 per capita increase in the Grand Lodge of Alaska annual assessment for the purpose of paying the annual recurring cost to access and maintain a

Grand Lodge of Alaska “Masonic Online Registry Interface” (M.O.R.I.). M.O.R.I. is a unified lodge management system that integrates lodge records with Grand Lodge records. This system will replace the multitude of processes and management systems currently in use by our Lodges and Grand Lodge and ultimately lower the operating costs to both. The M.O.R.I. system will virtually eliminate the deficiencies noted in the Grand Lodge Records section of the “State of the Craft” above.

VISITATIONS

This year I traveled throughout our jurisdiction and several Grand Jurisdictions around the country. I also experienced the truly universality of Masonry through virtual travels around the globe by way of the World Wide Web.

I visited each and every lodge within Alaska at least once, with the exception of Seward Lodge No. 6 and Fairbanks Lodge No. 12. During my visits to Fairbanks, Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and the Matanuska Valley, I consolidated my visits to two and three lodges at one time. This consolidated “Grand Master’s Reception” proved to be popular approach to meet with the brethren from more than one lodge in a geographical area. It effectively reduced both the financial burden on the Grand Lodge Officers and provided Masons from adjoining Lodges an opportunity for fellowship.

I represented the Grand Lodge of Alaska at several other Grand Jurisdictions and annual meetings of concordant bodies. In February, shortly after our Annual Communication in Kodiak, Beth and I travel to Garden Grove, CA to participate in the Western Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges and the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. In April, we attended the Grand Lodge of Hawaii in Honolulu and returned to Anchorage to attend the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska. June found us traveling to the Grand Lodge of Oregon in Bend, the Grand Lodge of Washington in Spokane, the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon in Prince George, and Rainbow Grand Assembly in Fairbanks. In July, we traveled to the Imperial Shrine Session in San Antonio, TX. The last week in August, I had the opportunity to attend the 50th Anniversary of my father’s lodge (T. F. McElroy Lodge No. 302) in Federal Way, WA. In September, we traveled to Dawson City, Yukon Territory for International Days and London for both the Quarterly Communication of the United Grand Lodge of England and Taurus Lodge No. 3981. We traveled to San Francisco, CA for the Grand Lodge of California and Washington, DC for the Bi-annual Session of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction in October. Finally, we traveled to the Grand Lodge of Washington’s Landmark on the Sound for the International Night Banquet and Reception of Lafayette Lodge No. 241 and then on to Reno, NV for the Grand Lodge of Nevada. The visit to Lafayette Lodge for International Night was an event I will long remember. It was very special to be counted among the many notable personalities from presidents, stage and screen stars, and famous Masons who signed the historic Lafayette Bible. It was also special because the Landmark on the Sound, which was once called the Masonic Home at Zenith, was the building where I first met Beth during a Rainbow installation nearly forty years ago.

My virtual travels on the Internet have had me visiting with brethren from all corners of the world over Masonic Forums like The Masonic Society, The Sanctum Sanctorum, and the Scottish Rite’s Freemason Network. I have also connected with Masons around the country through Facebook, Twitter, and several Masonic Blogs and Podcasts. One of my most pleasurable activities this year has been keeping a live journal (Blog) on the Internet called “Grand Master’s Musings”. I hope the brethren have enjoyed reading about my exploits this year as much as I have enjoyed posting them.

APPRECIATION

At my installation as your Grand Master, I remarked that I was going to work hard for you in the coming year. At that time, I also asked each Alaska Mason to work equally hard to help improve our Grand Lodge. I am exceedingly pleased by the time and effort that I have seen given in support of our Grand Lodge this year, I would especially like to recognize the following brethren:

MW Charles E. Corbin for your imagination and enthusiasm in conceiving the Alaska Standard Work and Freemasons Guide and for the time and effort you spent preparing a consolidated ritual, so that I could take it around on my official visits to share this exciting concept with the brethren.

VW Roger Hansen and VW James Herrington for your dogged determination and tireless effort in painstakingly scanning the Alaska Masonic Code for errors, omissions, and inconsistencies. It was Roger who remarked on many Grand Master’s visits that “the only thing consistent about the current version of the Code is that it is consistently inconsistent.”

Brother Stephen Wright and the Scholarship Committee for accepting the challenge of creating guidelines for the Alaska Visual Arts and Music Scholarship and for taking the bit in their teeth to promote the scholarship throughout Alaska, screen candidates, and make our first scholarship selection this year.

VW Ken Creamer, chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee, for your good counsel and your always thoughtful review of my proposed decisions.

VW Tom Schram for your uncommon work ethic managing the Grand Lodge office.

W John Bishop, the Grand Lecturer, for traveling throughout the jurisdiction on your own nickel to present Lodges of Instruction. John has been an excellent traveling companion, accompanying me this year, while we drove on many dark and winding roads across the wilds of Alaska.

W Tad Dean for completing the much needed facelift to Grand Lodge Web Page.

MW Jared Decker for graciously volunteering and dutifully publishing the Grand Lodge newsletter, “Light of the Great Land” this year. It should be noted that this is the first time we have published a Grand Lodge newsletter since 2004.

Juneau Valley Scottish Rite for their very generous contribution of $50,000 to the Grand Lodge permanent fund.

VW Russ Shivers and my District Deputies for taking on the responsibility and conducting Leadership Training throughout the jurisdiction.

W John Paul Jones and the members of the Sessions and Arrangements Committee for your assistance in making this year’s Annual Communication a highlight of Alaskan hospitality. I extend a special thanks to the members of my mother lodge, Matanuska No. 7, for all their support and generous contribution to the refreshments in the hospitality lounge.

All Worshipful Masters for all of your hard work in managing your Lodges and your dedication to the Craft.

MW Jared Decker, RW Johnnie Wallace, RW Ron Ackerman, RW Jerry Pinion, RW Jim Grubbs, and RW Jerry Wasson for your companionship and your good counsel and advice this year.

All Alaska Masons who contributed to the Alaska Visual Arts and Music Scholarship and exceeded my wildest dreams by giving more than $10,000.

And, to my wife Beth for all of her companionship and tireless work behind the scenes this year. Beth, you are my best friend and the love of my life. This would have been an extremely lonely journey without you.

This has been an extraordinary experience and one that I will never forget. I thank you, the Grand Lodge of Alaska, for your confidence in me and the honor of serving you as your Grand Master this past year.

John R. “Bo” Cline Grand Master

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GRAND SECRETARY

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska This report is submitted pursuant to Section 3.05 of the Alaska Masonic Code.

Another year is over and I am still learning things about this job. I am sure that this process will continue. VW Tom Schram is still our office manager, thank goodness!

Without being in the office you cannot imagine the assistance he provides to others from this and other Grand Lodges on a daily basis. We are getting an e-mail a week asking “How can I become a Mason”. Tom provides this information with immediate follow-up e-mails. Our first question to all prospects is “What night is the best for you to attend Lodge?”, we then refer then him to the appropriate Lodge Secretary.

Tom and I are always willing to provide any assistance to you that you request, if it is not readily available we will find you the answer. Stop by if you are in the area. Coffee is nearly always available.

As required by Section 3.05 of the Alaska Masonic Code, I must report that 15 Lodges did not submit their End-of-Year reports by the January 10th deadline.

The Lodges that have submitted the required annual returns and all of their monthly returns include:

Tanana #3 Matanuska #7 Eagle River #13 Anchorage #17 Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux #21

The Lodges that are missing monthly reports are:

Mt. McKinley #5 Seward #6 Kenai #11 Aurora #15 Mt. Verstovia #18

Our membership numbers are down again this year but with the lack of complete reporting from the Lodges, a completely accurate number is unavailable. According to the data we have reported so far, we had a net loss of 25. I would hope this number to be a little less when all data is received. Last year we had a net loss of 40.

The submittal of a Lodge roster continues to be a problem. A Lodge roster of members is required to be submitted with the End-of-Year report (AMC 16.16, 6). This is often omitted from the report and requires phone calls, e-mails, or letters to obtain. We use this roster to verify the Grand Lodge membership roster with the Lodges in an attempt to keep the discrepancies to a minimum.

Because not all Lodges made adequate submissions, the data in the table below is not totally correct and does not reflect the current status of the Grand Lodge of Alaska. I hope that the members of the Lodges will recognize the key place of the Secretary of the Lodge Management Team and will give him any assistance and encouragement necessary to ensure current and accurate reporting of their Lodge.

You will notice that the number of deaths in the table below and the Necrology report are different. This difference is due to some clean-up work that Tom and I did on our Members Lost records. With the help of the Social Security Death Index, we found a few Bothers of the list that were deceased.

It has been a pleasure working with this year’s Grand Lodge Team. I have enjoyed my experience this year as your Grand Secretary, and I offer my appreciation to the members of this Grand Jurisdiction for the honor of serving them.

Again this year I want to thank VW Roger Hansen for all the assistance he has provided to the office. Thank you Roger.

Respectfully submitted,

RW Jerome P. “Jerry” Wasson Grand Secretary

STATUS OF LODGES

Lodge Mem 1 EnrolledMM Affiliate/Dual Reinstated Total Gain Demits Deaths NPD LossTotal Net Ga Mem 12 Elected Initiated Passed Raised

in/Loss

1 54 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 -2 52 1 1 1 0 3 231 3 2 1 6 3 9 4 16 -10 221 6 6 2 3 4 67 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 -3 64 1 2 0 0 5 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 6 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 7 118 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 5 -3 115 3 3 2 2 9 53 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 53 0 0 0 0 10 192 1 1 4 6 0 7 5 12 -6 186 7 2 1 1 11 123 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 4 -4 119 3 3 0 0 12 87 3 0 1 4 2 1 4 7 -3 84 3 4 0 3 13 93 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 3 0 93 1 1 2 3 15 71 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 73 6 6 2 2 16 55 2 0 1 3 2 0 0 2 1 56 2 3 0 2 17 328 9 2 5 16 0 12 0 12 4 332 4 6 7 9 18 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 61 0 0 1 0 19 89 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 4 -2 87 2 2 1 2 20 107 1 1 1 3 1 3 0 4 -1 106 2 1 0 1 21 139 4 0 0 4 0 2 0 2 2 141 6 6 2 4 22 31 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 31 4 0 0 0 23 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 0 0 Total 1982 32 8 13 53 13 48 17 78 -25 1957 51 46 21 32

REPORT OF THE FRATERNAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

1st Report

To: The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. Subject: 1st Report - Fraternal Relations Committee - February 4, 2010 i.e.: Recognition of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Inc.

This Grand Lodge has received requests for Recognition from the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina and its Jurisdiction, Inc. The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina has existed since March 1870 and it meets all the standards of recognition.

The Grand Masters Conference of North America has recommended that Recognition be granted to Prince Hall Grand Lodges, provided that they have an agreement to share jurisdiction with their counterpart in their home state.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, I move this report be received for the record.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, I move that full recognition be granted to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina and its Jurisdiction, Inc. and that a Grand Representative be appointed.

Respectfully Submitted:

MW Henry T. Dunbar Chairman, Fraternal Relations Committee

2nd Report

To: The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. Subject: 2nd Report - Fraternal Relations Committee - February 4, 2010 i.e.: Recognition of The Grand Lodge of Cyprus, A.F&A.M.

Again this year, we have received two (2) requests for recognition from the Grand Lodge of Cyprus. To the best of our knowledge, nothing has changed in that country since last year.

The Grand Masters Conference has previously determined that the Grand Lodge of Cyprus was legally formed, works in regular Masonry and generally meets standard for recognition. The problem is that the United Grand Lodge of England has had Lodges in Cyprus since 1888. The ‘new” Grand Lodge of Cyprus does not want to share Jurisdiction with the English Lodges and does not have an agreement to co-exist with the English chartered Lodges.

This committee again recommends that mutual recognition be not extended to the Grand Lodge of Cyprus.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, I move the report be received for the record.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, I move for the adoption of this report.

Respectfully Submitted:

MW Henry T. Dunbar Chairman, Fraternal Relations Committee

To: The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. Subject: 2nd Report - Fraternal Relations Committee - February 4, 2010 i.e.: Miscellaneous Information

1. We received a letter from the Grand Lodge of Turkey stating that they had granted full recognition to the MW Grand Lodge of Latvia and the MW Grand Lodge of Montenegro. 2. We received a letter from the MW Grand Lodge of Sao Paulo, Brazil stating that they had granted full recognition to the MW Grand Lodge of Slovenia and the MW Grand Lodge of Malta. 3. We received a letter from the United Grand Lodge of England stating they had accorded recognition to the Grand Orient of Haiti and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ontario. 4. We received a letter from the Grand Lodge of Turkey stating they had accorded recognition the Grand Lodge of Ukraine. The Conference of Grand Masters reports that: a number of lodges have been chartered in this country from foreign Grand Lodges not recognized by our Grand Lodge. There are now a number of co-Masonic and feminine Grand Lodges operating in this country. We need to be very diligent in examining dues cards when accepting visitors into our Lodges and determining the legitimacy of any lodge we wish to visit.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, I move the report be received for the record.

Respectfully Submitted:

MW Henry T. Dunbar Chairman, Fraternal Relations Committee

3rd Report

To: The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. Subject: 3rd Report - Fraternal Relations Committee - February 5, 2010 i.e.: Miscellaneous Information

1. Correspondence was received from the Grand Lodge of Baja California, Mexico announcing that MW Bro. Franco Magdaleno Alto was their new Grand Master. The other Grand Lodge officers were also listed. 2. The MW York Grand Lodge of Mexico, F.&A.M. reported that a splinter group calling itself “The MW Regular York Grand Lodge of Mexico” or (“Muy Respectuble Gran Logia Regular York de Mexico, Antiqua y Honorable Fraternidad de Libres y Aceptables Masons”) had been formed. The said body is spurious. It was formed by Masons who were expelled from our jurisdiction due to serious Masonic offences, including rebellion, sedition, and misappropriation of Grand Lodge funds. It has no legitimacy of origin whatsoever. 3. The Grand Lodge of Czech Republic reports that they are having a dispute with the United Grand Lodge of Germany concerning the initiation of Slovak candidates by a German Lodge. Such persons initiated in Germany against the will of the Czech Republic will not be recognized as regular Free Masons in the Czech Grand Lodge and should not expect to be admitted in Lodges in Slovakia. The U.G.L. of Germany feels that Slovakia is currently open territory since there is no Grand Lodge in Slovakia at the present time. One is scheduled to be consecrated in March of 2009. 4. Two letters from the United Grand Lodge of England were received announcing some of the activities taken at their quarterly meetings. 5. The Grand Lodge of New York and the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. are having a dispute over chartering Lodges in the country of Lebanon. The Grand Lodge of New York has had a presence in Lebanon since 1925 and has established a district Grand Lodge in that area. The Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. recently chartered a new lodge in Lebanon at the request of a group of Lebanese brethren who have close ties to the Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. The Grand Lodge of Washington, D.C. believes that the Grand Lodge of New York does not have exclusive jurisdiction in Lebanon because there are other lodges in that country that were chartered by other Grand Lodges. We hope that these two Grand Lodges can get together and come up with a workable solution to this problem. 6. Lodges and Grand Lodges continue to spring up around the world from unrecognized sources. A number of Lodges have been chartered in this country from foreign Grand Lodges of this nature. A new supreme Council, whose origin is unknown, has also been established in America, called the Supreme Council of North America with bodies located in Virginia, North Carolina, and Illinois. We need to be very diligent in examining dues cards when accepting visitors to your Lodge, and in determining the legitimacy of a Lodge you may wish to visit.

Respectfully Submitted:

MW Henry T. Dunbar Chairman, Fraternal Relations Committee

REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

The following is the number of votes available by lodge, as provided in the final report of the Committee on Credentials.

Total Number of Ballots Grand Lodge 31 White Pass Lodge No. 1 2 Tanana Lodge No. 3 9 Valdez Lodge No. 4 2 Mt. McKinley Lodge No. 5 2 Seward Lodge No. 6 4 Matanuska Lodge No. 7 7 Kodiak Lodge No. 9 2 Glacier Lodge No. 10 7 Kenai Lodge No. 11 2 Fairbanks Lodge No. 12 3 Eagle River Lodge No. 13 6 Aurora Lodge No. 15 8 North Pole Lodge No. 16 7 Anchorage Lodge No. 17 10 Mt. Verstovia Lodge No. 18 5 Ketchikan Lodge No. 19 4 Iditarod Lodge No. 20 5 Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux Lodge No. 21 6 Sterling Lodge No. 22 4 Petersburg Lodge No. 23 3 Voided Ballots 2 Total 131

Respectfully submitted, W Howard McElrath Chairman

APPOINTMENT OF REGULAR COMMITTEES

Standing Committees Jurisprudence VW Ken R. Creamer PDD, Chairman VW Timothy M. Smith PDD MW Samuel K. Medsker PGM W Thomas S. Westall Bro. Philip N. Nash, Advisor

Grievance & Appeals MW Thomas O. Mickey HPGM, Chairman MW L.V. “Joe” Dees PGM RW Jacque Boiley PDD

Finance MW Harry J. Koenen PGM, Chairman VW Michael Swenson PDD RW James D. Grubbs GT W James R. Griffith Bro. Daniel O’Connell, Advisor

Fraternal Relations MW Henry T. Dunbar PGM, Chairman W David C. Pratt W David Worel

Masonic Research & Education MW Les Little PGM, Chairman W Russell D. Shivers VW Roger Hansen

Credentials W Howard R. “Mac” McElrath, Chairman VW Jim R. McMichael PDD VW Rex C. Hasty PDD W Norm Gutcher W Frank H. Bird

Masonic Public Relations W Jeffrey J. Polozotto, Chairman MW Samuel K. Medsker PGM Bro. John B. (Jack) Coghill

Masonic Youth VW Dale Gillian PDD, Chairman W Dwayne L. Anderson W Jerry W. Pinion, Jr. W Jesse L. Kvale

Bylaws W Karl G. Amundsen, Chairman W Jachque Boiley W Keith E. Herve

Long Range Planning RW Ronald D. Ackerman, SGW, Chairman MW John R. “Bo” Cline, GM RW Johnnie L. Wallace, DGM RW Jerry W. Pinion, JGW RW James D. Grubbs, GT RW Jerome P. Wasson, GS MW Jared S. Decker, PGM

Public Schools W Robert Cartmill, Chairman W L.F. “Buck” Buxton

Appointed Sub Committees

Charters & Dispensations Appointed on Demand

Sessions & Arrangements W John P. Jones , Chairman VW Thomas L. Schram DD #3 W Theodore A. Dean W James M. LeFlore W Nicholas J. Choromanski W Theodore Hutchinson

Leadership Training W Russell D. Shivers, Chairman W John K. Bishop VW Thomas L. Schram DD #3 VW John P. Johnson DD #1 VW Michael A. Eady DD #2 VW James R. Herrington DD #5

Military Recognition W Clarence E. Keto, Chairman Bro. Richard Z. Groen Bro. Chad Marino

George Washington National Memorial VW Monte R. Ervin PDD, Chairman

Russian Masonry MW Charles E. Corbin PGM, Chairman MW John Grainger PGM, Emeritus

Wills & Endowments MW Gene R. Freeman PGM, Chairman W James E. Howard W Charles V. Carlson, Jr. W Edward E. Sarff

Awards RW Jerry W. Pinion JGW

Internet & Publications W Theodore A. “Tad” Dean, Chairman W Edward E. Sarff

Masonic Scholarship Bro. Stephen E. Wright, Chairman Bro. Carroll G. Fader VW Gerald B. Hughes DD #4 RW Edward G. Weisser

Grand Lodge Photographers W Albert R. Schuerger W Claude H. Roberts W Kevin Tennant

Masonic Code Review VW Roger K. Hansen PDD, Chairman VW James R. Herrington DD #5 MW Leslie R. Little PGM

Ritual MW Charles E. Corbin, PGM, Chairman MW Lloyd Triggs PGM VW V. Clifford Darnell PDD

REPORTS OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS No unfinished business was discussed.

MOTIONS

No report of any motions was received at the time of publication

RESOLUTIONS

Four carryover and eleven resolutions listed here were received by the Grand Lodge of Alaska in writing on or before October 2009. These were presented before the membership on February 4-5, 2010 for consideration. Disposition of each resolution listed is provided in a Note section after each resolution.

Carryover Resolution 2009-1

To amend Section 8.02, subsection 5, Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To clarify the distribution requirement of the Standard Work Cipher by the Grand Secretary by changing item 5 and adding item 6.

RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, item 5 is vague in its present form and should be separated into two separate items for clarity.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 8.02, subsection 5, Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 8.02 Bylaw STANDARD WORK CIPHER. 5. The printed copies of the Standard Work Cipher authorized by this Section may be sold only to Secretaries of Constituent Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction for distribution to members, provided that the Grand Secretary is authorized to exchange copies with recognized foreign Grand Jurisdictions.

Be amended to read:

Section 8.02 Bylaw STANDARD WORK CIPHER. 5. The printed copies of the Standard Work Cipher authorized by this Section may be sold only to Secretaries of Constituent Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction for distribution to members. provided that the Grand Secretary is authorized to exchange copies with recognized foreign Grand Jurisdictions. 6. The Grand Secretary is authorized to exchange copies of the Standard Work Cipher with recognized foreign Grand Jurisdictions.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Roger K. Hansen (7, 20, 23)

This resolution received a majority of votes at the last Grand Lodge communications but did not receive the required three fourths majority, In accordance with AMC 7.07 it requires a majority of the votes cast to be adopted.

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Carryover Resolution 2009-2

To Amend Section 14.08 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To reorganize and group like items together to clarify the intent of this section

RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, this section contains three subject matters grouped together in one paragraph, and

WHEREAS, to provide clarity, the three subject matters should be separated into three separate paragraphs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 14.08 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which reads;

Section 14.08 Bylaw VISITORS, EXAMNATION. A Mason who has been unaffiliated for more that three years may not be permitted to visit a constituent Lodge in this Jurisdiction, provided, however, that in an exceptional case the Master of the Lodge may give written permission to an unaffiliated Brother to attend the Lodge for a period of not to exceed six months. A Master Mason, on applying for admittance as a visitor to a Lodge, shall exhibit either a receipt for dues, showing him to be in good standing, or a demit which has been issued not more than three years previous to its presentation. In the absence of personal avouchment, he shall then take the test oath and submit to a strict trial and due examination. Neither diploma, nor demit, nor a receipt showing payment of dues, is conclusive as to the identity of the holder, nor as to his good standing in the Fraternity. Evidence as to his identity and as to the genuineness of such document or documents is necessary; and the Lodge must be satisfied as to his good Masonic Standing and as to the regularity of the Lodge from which he hails. The genuineness of such document is not sufficient to warrant avouchment. The applicant shall prove himself in strict conformity with Masonic usage and requirement. Such proof may be secured in an examination duly made by a committee appointed for that purpose. Knowing him to be in good Masonic Standing, and having met him in open Lodge are grounds for avouchment. Examination by a Brother outside of Lodge does not justify avouchment.

Be amended to read:

Section 14.08 Bylaw VISITORS, EXAMNATION. A Mason who has been unaffiliated for more that three years may not be permitted to visit a Constituent Lodge in this Jurisdiction, provided, however, that in an exceptional case, the Master of the Lodge may give written permission to an unaffiliated Brother to attend the Lodge for a period of not to exceed six months. A Master Mason, on applying for admittance as a visitor to a Lodge, shall exhibit either a receipt for dues, showing him to be in good standing, or a demit which has been issued not more than three years previous to its presentation. In the absence of personal avouchment, he shall then take the test oath and submit to a strict trial and due examination. Neither diploma, nor demit, nor a receipt showing payment of dues, is conclusive as to the identity of the holder, nor as to his good standing in the Fraternity. Evidence as to his identity and as to the genuineness of such document or documents is necessary; and the Lodge must be satisfied as to his good Masonic Standing and as to the regularity of the Lodge from which he hails. The genuineness of such document is not sufficient to warrant avouchment. The applicant shall prove himself in strict conformity with Masonic usage and requirement. Such proof may be secured in an examination duly made by a committee appointed for that purpose. Knowing him to be in good Masonic Standing, and having met him in open Lodge are grounds for avouchment. Examination by a Brother outside of Lodge does not justify avouchment.

A Master Mason, on applying for admittance as a visitor to a Lodge, shall exhibit either a receipt for dues, showing him to be in good standing, or a demit which has been issued not more than three years previous to its presentation and shall prove himself in strict conformity with Masonic usage and requirement. Such proof may be secured in an examination duly made by a committee appointed for that purpose.

Neither diploma, nor demit, nor a receipt showing payment of dues, is conclusive as to the identity of the holder, nor as to his good standing in the Fraternity. Evidence as to his identity and as to the genuineness of such document or documents is necessary and the Lodge must be satisfied as to his good Masonic Standing and as to the regularity of the Lodge from which he hails. The genuineness of such document is not sufficient to warrant avouchment. Knowing him to be in good Masonic Standing, and having met him in open Lodge are grounds for avouchment. In the absence of personal avouchment, he shall then take the test oath and submit to a strict trial and due examination. Examination by a Brother outside of Lodge does not justify avouchment.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Roger K. Hansen (7, 20, 23)

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Carryover Resolution 2009-4

To amend Section 18.02 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To be consistent between sections of the Alaska Masonic Code and be more definite as to what language the petitioner must be capable of performing by revising items 3 and 4 of Section 18.02 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code.

RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, Under Section 1.07 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code that states “Fraternal recognition of a foreign Grand Lodge is based on fulfillment of the following requirements : ... Fourth, that each candidate for Masonry expresses a belief in a Supreme Being.” and

WHEREAS, If the Grand Lodge of Alaska requires foreign Grand Lodges candidates to express a belief in a Supreme Being for fraternal recognition, the candidates in the Grand Lodge of Alaska should also be required to do so, and

WHEREAS, each religious faith has its own name for their Supreme Being, and

WHEREAS, Masonry being universal throughout the brothers of which have many faiths, the Grand Lodge of Alaska should not ask the name of one particular Supreme Being’s name, and

WHEREAS, on the form Petition For the Degrees of Masonry is the question “Do you believe in a Supreme Being?”, and

WHEREAS, the English language has traditionally been the predominant language of choice in this country, and,

WHEREAS, to prevent any future problems we need to be more definite as to what language the petitioner is capable of performing and,

WHEREAS, the Investigation Committee form, provided by the Grand Lodge of Alaska, so asks if the petitioner is capable of speaking, reading, and writing the English language, and,

WHEREAS, the Alaska Masonic Code should reflect what is asked on its forms.

NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that section 18.02 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 18.02 Bylaw QUALIFICATIONS. A petitioner is eligible for the degrees of Masonry if he: 1. Is at least eighteen years of age; 2. Has the senses of a man, especially those of hearing, seeing, and feeling; 3. Is a believer in God; 4. Is capable of reading and writing; 5. Has no maim or defect in his body that would render him incapable of conforming reasonably to what the degrees require of him..No provision of this Section may be set aside, dispensed with, or suspended by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge.

Be amended to read:

4. Is capable of reading and writing; speaking, reading, and writing the English language; 5. Has no maim or defect in his body that would render him incapable of conforming reasonably to what the degrees require of him. 6. No provision of this Section may be set aside, dispensed with, or suspended by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge.

Respectfully submitted

Roger K. Hansen (7, 20, 23)

Note: This resolution was withdrawn with the authorization of the Grand Master on February 4, 2010.

Carryover Resolution 2009-10

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To clarify who may submit an amendment to the Alaska Masonic Code.

WHEREAS, there appears to be some questions as to who may submit a resolution to this Grand Lodge, and

WHEREAS, Master Masons who are not members of this Grand Lodge as described in Section 2.01 Constitution, have been observed casting a vote in Grand Lodge when voting by a show of hands, and

WHEREAS, Master Masons who are not members of this Grand Lodge as described in Section 2.01 Constitution, have authorized and put their names to resolutions before this Grand Lodge,

WHEREAS, there is a word usage error in the second sentence of Section 7.06, now

NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that section 7.06, Constitution of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 7.06 Constitution CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS. Proposed amendments to the Constitution are presented at an Annual Communication and are referred to a committee, which reports

29 thereon before a vote is taken. If a vote in favor of a proposed amendment is ninety percent or more, it is declared adopted, and at the close of that communication becomes a part of the Constitution. If the vote is not ninety percent, but there is a majority in favor of the proposed amendment, it lies over one year, and is published with the proceedings or is published and circulated as set forth in Section 11.03 under the caption of "Proposed Amendment to the Constitution". At the next succeeding Annual Communication, if it receives two-thirds of the vote cast thereon, it is declared adopted, and at the close of that communication becomes a part of the Constitution. (Section revised 1989, 1995)

Be amended to read:

Section 7.06 Constitution CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS. Proposed amendments to the Constitution are presented at an Annual Communication in accordance with section 11.03 Bylaw by a member of this Grand Lodge as described in Section 2.01 Constitution and are referred to a committee, which reports thereon before a vote is taken. If a vote in favor of a proposed amendment is ninety percent or more, it is declared adopted, and at the close of that communication becomes a part of the Constitution. If the vote is not ninety percent, but there is a majority in favor of the proposed amendment, it lies over one year, and is published with the proceedings or is published and circulated as set forth in Section 11.03 under the caption of "Proposed Amendment to the Constitution". At the next succeeding Annual Communication, if it receives two-thirds of the vote cast thereon, it is declared adopted, and at the close of that communication becomes a part of the Constitution. (Section revised 1989, 1995)

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Section 7.07, Constitution of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads

Section 7.07 Constitution BYLAW AMENDMENTS. Bylaws of the Grand Lodge may be amended, added to, or repealed at an Annual Communication by a three fourths vote of the Grand Lodge. If the vote is not a three fourths majority, but it is a majority in favor of the proposed amendment or repeal, it lies over until the next Annual Communication, when it is called for final action and is finally disposed of in advance of action on any new business. At least sixty days in advance of such Annual Communication the Grand Secretary certifies such proposed amendment or repeal in full to the Master of each of the Constituent Lodges to be read and discussed in open Lodge. It is also published with the proceedings under the caption "Proposed Changes". At such next succeeding Annual Communication, if it receives a majority of the votes cast thereon, it is declared adopted and becomes effective at close of such Annual Communication; otherwise it is declared rejected by Grand Lodge.

Be amended to read:

Section 7.07 Constitution BYLAW AMENDMENTS. Bylaws of the Grand Lodge may be amended, added to, or repealed at an Annual Communication in accordance with section 11.03 Bylaw by a member of this Grand Lodge as described in Section 2.01 Constitution by a three fourths vote of the Grand Lodge for approval. If the vote is not a three fourths majority, but it is a majority in favor of the proposed amendment or repeal, it lies over until the next Annual Communication, when it is called for final action and is finally disposed of in advance of action on any new business. At least sixty days in advance of such Annual Communication the Grand Secretary certifies such proposed amendment or repeal in full to the Master of each of the Constituent Lodges to be read and discussed in open Lodge. It is also published with the proceedings under the caption "Proposed Changes". At such next succeeding Annual Communication, if it receives a majority of the votes cast thereon, it is declared adopted and becomes effective at close of such Annual Communication; otherwise it is declared rejected by Grand Lodge

Respectfully submitted

Les R. Little (10. 15, 22)

This resolution received a majority of votes at the last Grand Lodge communications but did not receive the required 90 percent, In accordance with AMC 7.07 it requires two- thirds of the vote cast to be adopted.

Note: This resolution failed to receive the two-thirds of the vote cast to be approved February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-1

To amend Bylaw Sections 9.06, 9.09, 12.08, 16.16, 17.09, 18.02, 19.13, and 20.11 of the Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to make “housekeeping” changes by correcting inconsistencies, deleting unnecessary wording, and adding or deleting word(s) to maintain proper sentence clarity within the various sections of the Alaska Masonic Code.

Section 9.06

WHEREAS: The present section is not consistent with the format of other sections in the Code as there should be a lead-in sentence or phrase indicating or relating to the purpose for the items. and,

WHEREAS: The first part of the first sentence of each numbered item should be dropped and restated one time as a lead-in sentence to the items. and,

WHEREAS: If left in its present form, any future additional financial items to dispose of would also have to have the same lead-in part of the sentence as is indicated in the two existing items.

WHEREAS: We have always been taught to be as clear and consistent as possible. and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 9.06 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 9.06 Bylaw POWER TO SELL AND CONVEY REAL ESTATE AND SECURITIES. 1. The Grand Master and the Grand Secretary, with the approval of the Committee on Finance, have the power to sell and convey any real estate now held or hereafter acquired by the Grand Lodge in liquidation of indebtedness or received as a donation. 2. The Grand Master and the Grand Secretary, with the approval of the Committee on Finance, have the power to acquire, purchase, sell, exchange, convert, assign, and endorse for transfer, capital stock, bonds, and securities; and where such stock, bonds, or securities are issued or registered in the corporate name of this Grand Lodge, then upon such sale, exchange, conversion, or assignment to endorse the same in its corporate name, attested by the seal.

Be amended to read:

Section 9.06 Bylaw POWER TO SELL AND CONVEY REAL ESTATE AND SECURITIES. The Grand Master and the Grand Secretary, with the approval of the Committee on Finance, have the power to: 1. The Grand Master and the Grand Secretary, with the approval of the Committee on Finance, have the power to sell Sell and convey any real estate now held or hereafter acquired by the Grand Lodge in liquidation of indebtedness or received as a donation. 2. The Grand Master and the Grand Secretary, with the approval of the Committee on Finance, have the power to acquire Acquire, purchase, sell, exchange, convert, assign, and endorse for transfer, capital stock, bonds, and securities, and where such stock, bonds, or securities are issued or registered in the corporate name of this Grand Lodge, then upon such sale, exchange, conversion, or assignment to endorse the same in its corporate name, attested by the seal. and,

Section 9.09

WHEREAS: Emergent Resolution 2006-1 indicated that certain words were emphasized and,

WHEREAS: To be consistent with the wording of the Masonic code, the emphasis of these certain words should be changed to be non-emphasized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 9.09 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Fees for Life Membership shall be $1000.00, payable at the time of application. Arrangements may be made through the Grand Secretary at the time of application, to submit a $100.00 application fee and an annual payment of a minimum of $100.00 until the financial obligation for membership is satisfied.

Distribution of earnings, all fees for membership are permanently invested and cannot be withdrawn, and all interest earned shall be distributed as follows. 1. 70% of the interest earned may be placed in the General Account of the Grand Lodge of Alaska. 2. The funds interest earnings shall be reinvested in the permanent, Per Capita Life Membership Fund. 3. The Finance Committee may reinvest more than the 30% but not less than 30%. 4. The per capita fees, upon full membership, shall be drawn from the Grand Lodge General Fund.

Investment. The Principal of this fund shall be invested by the Grand Lodge Finance Committee and reported upon at each Grand Lodge Session.

Record Keeping. The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer shall maintain a record of all Brothers who apply as well as to their status within the fund, as applies to their payment

33 of fees. 1. Upon a Brother becoming a Life Member in the Per Capita Fund, the Grand Secretary shall give written notification of such membership to each Lodge that the Brother is a member of. 2. If a Brother has opted for the payment plan, the Grand Secretary shall inform all Lodges of which he is member, of his status in the fund, along with the Grand Lodge annual statement to the Lodges for reimbursement of per capita fees. 3. All Per Capita fees charged to a lodge or Lodges of which a Brother is a member and upon his being fully vested in the Grand Lodge Per Capita Life Membership Fund, shall be deducted from the Annual Statement of per capita fees sent to all lodges of which he is a member. 4. All lodges must continue to report this Brother as a member in good standing in their annual membership report to the Grand Lodge. Such lodge may make an entry in their lodge records regarding the status of a life membership in the Grand Lodge Per Capita Life Membership Fund. 5. The Grand Lodge Secretary shall issue a certificate, suitable for framing, to each member of the Fund. 6. A plaque with the name and date of Membership of all Brothers who become a Member, presently and in the future, shall be displayed at the Grand Lodge Office. (Section adopted 2006)

Be amended to read

Lodge of Alaska. 2. The funds interest earnings shall be reinvested in the permanent, Per Capita Life Membership Fund. 3. The Finance Committee may reinvest more than the 30% but not less than 30%. 4. The per capita fees, upon full membership, shall be drawn from the Grand Lodge General Fund.

Investment. The Principal of this fund shall be invested by the Grand Lodge Finance Committee and reported upon at each Grand Lodge Session.

Record Keeping. The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer shall maintain a record of all Brothers who apply as well as to their status within the fund, as applies to their payment of fees. 1. Upon a Brother becoming a Life Member in the Per Capita Fund, the Grand Secretary shall give written notification of such membership to each Lodge that the Brother is a member of. 2. If a Brother has opted for the payment plan, the Grand Secretary shall inform all Lodges of which he is member, of his status in the fund, along with the Grand Lodge annual statement to the Lodges for reimbursement of per capita fees. 3. All Per Capita fees charged to a lodge or Lodges of which a Brother is a member and upon his being fully vested in the Grand Lodge Per Capita Life Membership Fund, shall be deducted from the Annual Statement of per capita fees sent to all lodges of which he is a member. 4. All lodges must continue to report this Brother as a member in good standing in their annual membership report to the Grand Lodge. Such lodge may make an entry in their lodge records regarding the status of a life membership in the Grand Lodge Per Capita Life Membership Fund. 5. The Grand Lodge Secretary shall issue a certificate, suitable for framing, to each member of the Fund. 6. A plaque with the name and date of Membership of all Brothers who become a Member, presently and in the future, shall be displayed at the Grand Lodge Office. (Section adopted 2006) and,

Section 12.08

WHEREAS: The teaching of paragraph and outline structure has always indicated that if there is an item 1, there should be at least an item 2, and;

WHEREAS: The item 1 number should be deleted and that sentence placed as the second sentence of the first paragraph, and,

WHEREAS: Letters A-E should be changed to numbers 1-5.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 12.08 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 12.08 Bylaw MASONIC CLUBS. A Masonic Club may be formed with permission obtained from the Grand Master, in writing, and submitted through the Grand Secretary. 1. After formation, all Masonic Clubs must adhere to the following rules and regulations: A. Be under the direct authority of the Grand Master. B. Must be sponsored by a Blue Lodge nearest to their locality. C. May not confer degrees. D. All members must be Master Masons in good standing of a Constituent Lodge of this Jurisdiction, or of another Jurisdiction recognized by this Grand Lodge. E. Must submit an annual report to the Grand Secretary by January 10th, for the previous year, listing its Officers and members and a brief synopsis of its activities.(Section adopted 1997)

Be amended to read:

Section 12.08 Bylaw MASONIC CLUBS. A Masonic Club may be formed with permission obtained from the Grand Master, in writing, and submitted through the Grand Secretary. After formation, all Masonic Clubs must adhere to the following rules and regulations: 1. After formation, all Masonic Clubs must adhere to the following rules and regulation. A. 1. Be under the direct authority of the Grand Master. B. 2. Must be sponsored by a Blue Lodge nearest to their locality. C. 3. May not confer degrees. D. 4. All members must be Master Masons in good standing of a Constituent Lodge of this Jurisdiction, or another Jurisdiction recognized by this Grand Lodge. E. 5. Must submit an annual report to the Grand Secretary by January 10th, for the previous year, listing its Officers and members and a brief synopsis of its activities. ( Section adopted 1997) and,

Section 16.16 and 17.09

WHEREAS: Each indigent brother supported or whose dues are forgiven by the Lodge is still considered a member in good standing, and;

WHEREAS: Resolution 2009-8 amended Section 9.04 by changing the words “ remitted” to the words “forgiven” and;

WHEREAS: The Code should be consistent from one section to another as much as possible.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 16.16 Bylaw, Item 6 of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 16.16 Bylaw SECRETARY. It is the duty of the Secretary: 6. To make to the Grand Secretary an annual report on or before January 10 listing all Lodge members by name, those whose dues have been remitted by the Lodge, the number of members as of December 31, and such other information as may be required by the Grand Secretary on the forms or otherwise;

Be amended to read:

6. To make to the Grand Secretary an annual report on or before January 10 listing all Lodge members by name, those whose dues have been remitted forgiven by the Lodge, the number of members as of December 31, and such other information as may be required by the Grand Secretary on the forms or otherwise; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Section 17.09 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 17.09 Bylaw DROPPING FROM ROLL. The annual dues of Lodge members are payable in advance before the first day of January of each year for that calendar year. A member who has not paid his dues for the calendar year before December 31 of that year ceases to be a member of the Lodge and his name must be dropped from its roll unless on or before that date the Lodge remits his dues or grants him an extension for a definite period in which to pay his dues.

Be amended to read:

Section 17.09 Bylaw DROPPING FROM ROLL. The annual dues of Lodge members are payable in advance before the first day of January of each year for that calendar year. A member who has not paid his dues for the calendar year before December 31 of that year ceases to be a member of the Lodge and his name must be dropped from its roll unless on or before that date the Lodge remits forgives his dues or grants him an extension for a definite period in which to pay his dues. and,

Section 18.02

WHEREAS: The age of a person should be shown in a written format instead of a numerical format. and;

WHEREAS: Like wording should be consistent between sections in the Code. and;

WHEREAS: Section 18.01 indicates the age of a person as “eighteen years old.” and;

WHEREAS: The last sentence of item 5 concerns the entire section and not just item 5 and therefore be separated from that item.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 18.02 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 18.02 Bylaw QUALIFICATIONS. A petitioner is eligible for the degrees of Masonry if he: 1. Is at least 18 years of age; 2. Has the senses of a man, especially those of hearing, seeing, and feeling; 3. Is a believer in God; 4. Is capable of reading and writing; 5. Has no maim or defect in his body that would render him incapable of conforming reasonably to what the degrees require of him. No provision of this Section may be set aside, dispensed with, or suspended by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge. (Revised 1998)

Be amended to read

Section 18.02 Bylaw QUALIFICATIONS. A petitioner is eligible for the degrees of Masonry if he: 1. Is at least 18 eighteen years of age; 2. Has the senses of a man, especially those of hearing, seeing, and feeling; 3. Is a believer in God; 4. Is capable of reading and writing; 5. Has no maim or defect in his body that would render him incapable of conforming reasonably to what the degrees require of him..

No provision of this Section may be set aside, dispensed with, or suspended by the Grand Master or by the Grand Lodge. (Revised 1998) and,

Section 19.13

WHEREAS: Carryover Resolutions 99-1 and 2003-1 eliminated the requirement for proficiency in the Third Degree; and,

WHEREAS: Section 19.13 Bylaw with it’s reference to being examined in the Lecture of the Third Degree was accidentally left out of the resolutions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 19.13 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 19.13 Bylaw FAILURE TO RECEIVE DEGREES. If a candidate fails to present himself to receive the First Degree within three years of his election to receive the degrees, or to receive the Second or Third Degree, or to be examined on his proficiency in the Lecture of the Third Degree, within three years after receiving the preceding degree, and cannot be located by any reasonable means, including certified mail, his candidacy terminates and his fees are forfeited to the Lodge. A candidacy so terminated may be restored at the written request of the petitioner without payment of further fees, but a new investigation and ballot are required. (Section adopted 1988)

Be amended to read:

Section 20.11

WHEREAS: There are four clearly defined paragraphs as indicated in the resolution creating this section (Resolution 2003-1); and,

WHEREAS: There are no provisions in the last paragraph even though it is so stated, and,

WHEREAS: The word “paragraph” should be changed to the word “Section” for consistency with the Code, and,

WHEREAS: The word “Section” refers to all of the paragraphs, and,

WHEREAS: The capital “P” in the word “Provisions” should be changed to lower case as in Section 18.02, last sentence “…no provision of this Section may be…”, and,

WHEREAS: There should be consistency between the sections of the Code in wording like sentences.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 20.11 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 20.11 Bylaw PROFICIENCY IN THE DEGREES. A candidate may not be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, nor raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason without proof of proficiency in the preceding degree. This may be done by either: 1. Memorization and recital of the Standard Proficiency as detailed in the Standard Work Cipher of this Jurisdiction; or, 2. By completion of a written Study Guide provided by the Grand Secretary as an education in Freemasonry and the memorizing and recital of the obligation of each degree as the Brother progresses through the degrees. The choice of proficiency method shall be made by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, and can be changed as the situation may dictate.

If option (1) is selected, the Standard Proficiency may be done by examination in open Lodge or by a committee appointed by the Master of the Lodge to examine such Candidate. If option (2) is selected, the completed written Study Guide is reviewed by the Master of the Lodge or a Committee of one or more members of the Lodge and if completed correctly the Brother is declared proficient by the Master and may progress to the next degree. The obligation of each degree must be given in accordance with the provisions in (1) above. The signs, tokens, and words must also be demonstrated at the same time.

After being raised as a Master Mason the Brother shall pay his dues for the current year as established in the Lodge Bylaws and sign the Bylaws. He then becomes an enrolled member of that Lodge. If at a later date he wishes to progress through the ”Chairs” of his Lodge he must demonstrate proficiency in the Master Mason degree in accordance with Section 20.11 Bylaw paragraphs 1 & 2 prior to being installed in the office of Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, or Worshipful Master.

The Provisions of this paragraph may be waived by the Grand Master for the purpose of conducting a One-Day Ritual Class. (See Section 20.12) (Section revised 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004)

Be amended to read:

Work Cipher of this Jurisdiction; or, 2. By completion of a written Study Guide provided by the Grand Secretary as an education in Freemasonry and the memorizing and recital of the obligation of each degree as the Brother progresses through the degrees. The choice of proficiency method shall be made by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, and can be changed as the situation may dictate.

The Provisions provisions of this paragraph Section may be waived by the Grand Master for the purpose of conducting a One-Day Ritual Class. (See Section 20.12) (Section revised 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004)

Respectfully submitted,

VW Roger K. Hansen (7, 20, 23)

Report of the Jurisprudence Committee: This resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This committee does not offer an opinion as to whether it should or should not be adopted. This resolution requires a ¾ majority to pass.

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-2

To amend Constitution Sections 9.01 and 11.01 of the Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to make “housekeeping” changes by correcting inconsistencies and deleting unnecessary wording

41 to maintain proper sentence clarity within the various sections of the Alaska Masonic Code.

Section 9.01

WHEREAS: It is unnecessary, wordy, and redundant to state the word “from” twice, once in the lead- in sentence and then again at the beginning of each revenue source item. and,

WHEREAS: We have always been taught to be as clear and consistent as possible.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 9.01 Constitution of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 9.01 Constitution REVENUE SOURCES. Revenue of the Grand Lodge is derived from the following sources: 1. From fees charged for dispensations, charters, and other documents issued under its authority. 2. From contributions levied upon the Lodges, which must always be equal and uniform in proportion to their memberships and the degrees conferred. 3. From the funds, dues, and proceeds of the property of dissolved Lodges within its jurisdiction; subject to all legal and equitable rights of creditors of such dissolved Lodges in and to such properties. 4. From the proceeds of investments, loans, or otherwise, made by the Grand Lodge. (Section clarified 1988)

Be amended to read

Section 9.01 Constitution REVENUE SOURCES. Revenue of the Grand Lodge is derived from the following sources: 1. From fees Fees charged for dispensations, charters, and other documents issued under its authority. 2. From contributions Contributions levied upon the Lodges, which must always be equal and uniform in proportion to their memberships and the degrees conferred. 3. From the funds, Funds, dues, and proceeds of the property of dissolved Lodges within its jurisdiction; subject to all legal and equitable rights of creditors of such dissolved Lodges in and to such properties. 4. From the proceeds Proceeds of investments, loans, or otherwise, made by the Grand Lodge. (Section clarified 1988) and,

Section 11.01

WHEREAS: In items 2, 3, and 4 the word “which” should be dropped as it is wordy and not necessary. and,

WHEREAS: Item 4 should be broken out into Items A and B to be consistent with the rest of the Code and for clarity, and

WHEREAS: We have always been taught to be as clear and consistent as possible.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 11.01 Constitution of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 11.01 Constitution MASONIC LAW. The actions of Freemasons in the Grand Lodge and in their Lodges and in their individual capacity are regulated and controlled by Masonic Law. Masonic Law consists of the following: 1. The moral law; our obligations, charges, and rituals. 2. The common law of Masonry, which is the immemorial law, and includes the Ancient Landmarks. 3. The written law of Masonry, which includes our Constitutions and the general and specific laws, rules, edicts, resolutions, and bylaws enacted by competent authority. 4. Usages and Customs of Masonry: Usages, which are those practices and modes of behavior of Brethren, individually and collectively, in Grand Lodge and in Lodges and towards each other, long observed in this Jurisdiction by voluntary assent: Customs, which are usages of such universality and antiquity as to have acquired the force and effect of law. (Section clarified 1988)

Be amended to read:

Section 11.01 Constitution MASONIC LAW. The actions of Freemasons in the Grand Lodge and in their Lodges and in their individual capacity are regulated and controlled by Masonic Law. Masonic Law consists of the following: 1. The moral law; our obligations, charges, and rituals. 2. The common law of Masonry, which is the immemorial law, and includes the Ancient Landmarks. 3. The written law of Masonry, which includes our Constitutions and the general and specific laws, rules, edicts, resolutions, and bylaws enacted by competent authority 4. Usages and Customs of Masonry: Usages, which are those practices and modes of behavior of Brethren, individually and collectively, in Grand Lodge and in Lodges and towards each other, long observed in this Jurisdiction by

voluntary assent: Customs, which are usages of such universality and antiquity as to have acquired the force and effect of law. A. Usages are those practices and modes of behavior of Brethren, individually and collectively, in Grand Lodge and in Lodges and towards each other, long observed in this Jurisdiction by voluntary assent. B. Customs are usages of such universality and antiquity as to have acquired the force and effect of law. (Section clarified 1988)

Respectfully submitted,

VW Roger K. Hansen (7, 20, 23)

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-3

To amend Bylaw Section 16.15 of the Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to combine all the duties of the Lodge Treasurer under one section of the Alaska Masonic Code

WHEREAS: All duties of an officer should be listed within one section for clarity and to prevent searching throughout the Alaska Masonic Code, and,

WHEREAS: Section 16.15 does not list all of the duties of the Lodge Secretary as indicated in the Alaska Masonic Code. And;

WHEREAS: An item 5 should be added to indicate any additional duty as reflected within the Alaska Masonic Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 16.15 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 16.15 Bylaw TREASURER. It is the duty of the Treasurer: 1. To receive from the Secretary all monies paid into the Lodge; 2. To keep a just and regular account thereof;

3. To pay them out by order of the Master and the consent of the Lodge; and 4. To submit a financial report annually to the Lodge, and transmit a copy of same to the Grand Lodge when requested and on such forms and in such manner as prescribed by the Grand Secretary.

Be amended to read:

Section 16.15 Bylaw TREASURER. It is the duty of the Treasurer: 1. To receive from the Secretary all monies paid into the Lodge; 2. To keep a just and regular account thereof; 3. To pay them out by order of the Master and the consent of the Lodge; and 4. To submit a financial report annually to the Lodge, and transmit a copy of same to the Grand Lodge when requested and on such forms and in such manner as prescribed by the Grand Secretary: and 5. To perform the duty as indicated in Section 21.07 of the Alaska Masonic Code.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Roger K. Hansen (7, 20, 23)

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-4

To amend Bylaw Section 16.16 of the Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to combine all the duties of the Lodge Secretary under one section of the Alaska Masonic Code

WHEREAS: All duties of an officer should be listed within one section for clarity and to prevent searching throughout the Alaska Masonic Code, and,

WHEREAS: Section 16.16 does not list all of the duties of the Lodge Secretary as indicated in the Alaska Masonic Code. And,

WHEREAS: An item 10 should be added to indicate any additional duties of the Secretary as reflected within the Alaska Masonic Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 16.16 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 16.16 Bylaw SECRETARY. It is the duty of the Secretary: 1. To record in a minute book at each communication, under the direction of the Master, all of the proceedings proper to be written, and to submit the same to the Lodge for approval or correction before the Lodge closes; 2. To transcribe fairly, such proceedings from the minute book to the regular record book after they have been approved or corrected, read them from the record book at the next Stated Communication for information, and after signing them, present them to the Master for his approval and signature. The Master may dispense with reading the minutes of previous Special Communications when deemed expedient; 3. To receive all monies paid into the Lodge and promptly pay the same to the Treasurer; 4. To attest the official signature of the Master to Masonic documents when necessary; 5. To report monthly to the Grand Secretary, on forms provided by him all those who have been Initiated, Passed, and Raised, with the dates thereof; all losses, including suspensions and expulsions and the causes therefor, those dropped for nonpayment of dues, deaths, demits, and rejections; and such other matters as may be required by the Grand Secretary; 6. To make to the Grand Secretary an annual report on or before January 10 listing all Lodge members by name, those whose dues have been remitted by the Lodge, the number of members as of December 31, and such other information as may be required by the Grand Secretary on the forms or otherwise; 7. To transmit to the Grand Secretary immediately after every election a certificate of the names and residences of the officers installed; 8. To certify and affix the Seal of the Lodge to all returns and certificates of election made to the Grand Lodge; and 9. To keep such account books as may be necessary to present clearly the account of each member with the Lodge, the receipts of the Secretary and his payments to the Treasurer, and preserve the Constitution, Bylaws, and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, which may from time to time be published, together with all the printed proceedings thereof as promulgated by its order. (Section clarified 1988, revised 1988)

Be amended to read:

2. To transcribe fairly, such proceedings from the minute book to the regular record book after they have been approved or corrected, read them from the record book at the next Stated Communication for information, and after signing them, present them to the Master for his approval and signature. The Master may dispense with reading the minutes of previous Special Communications when deemed expedient; 3. To receive all monies paid into the Lodge and promptly pay the same to the Treasurer; 4. To attest the official signature of the Master to Masonic documents when necessary; 5. To report monthly to the Grand Secretary, on forms provided by him all those who have been Initiated, Passed, and Raised, with the dates thereof; all losses, including suspensions and expulsions and the causes therefor, those dropped for nonpayment of dues, deaths, demits, and rejections; and such other matters as may be required by the Grand Secretary; 6. To make to the Grand Secretary an annual report on or before January 10 listing all Lodge members by name, those whose dues have been remitted by the Lodge, the number of members as of December 31, and such other information as may be required by the Grand Secretary on the forms or otherwise; 7. To transmit to the Grand Secretary immediately after every election a certificate of the names and residences of the officers installed; 8. To certify and affix the Seal of the Lodge to all returns and certificates of election made to the Grand Lodge; and 9. To keep such account books as may be necessary to present clearly the account of each member with the Lodge, the receipts of the Secretary and his payments to the Treasurer, and preserve the Constitution, Bylaws, and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, which may from time to time be published, together with all the printed proceedings thereof as promulgated by its order. and 10. To perform all required duties as specified in Sections 17.10, 17.11, and 21.07 of the Alaska Masonic Code. (Section clarified 1988, revised 1988)

Respectfully submitted,

VW Roger K. Hansen (7, 20, 23)

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-5

To amend Section 15.02 sub-paragraph 2 Constitution of the Alaska Masonic Code.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To allow the Secretary of each Lodge the ability to notify members of their Lodge by mail or electronic means that an amendment to the bylaws has been presented to the Lodge.

WHEREAS: It now reads the secretary must notify each member by U S mail, and

WHEREAS: The cost of postage continually increases, the required funds for mail service for each lodge will increase, and

WHEREAS: By allowing each Lodge Secretary the ability to use the internet, and

WHEREAS: Most members of the Grand Lodge and members of each Blue Lodge have the ability to receive notification by use of the internet

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 15.02 sub-paragraph 2 Constitution of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 15.02 Constitution LODGE BYLAWS. 2. Proposed Bylaws or amendments thereto are presented in writing at a Stated Communication. Bylaws can be adopted or amended only at a subsequent Stated Communication by a two thirds majority vote of the members present after written notice of the proposed action has been mailed to each member of the Lodge at least ten days prior to the Stated Communication.

Be amended to read:

Section 15.02 Constitution LODGE BYLAWS. 2. Proposed Bylaws or amendments thereto are presented in writing at a Stated Communication. Bylaws can be adopted or amended only at a subsequent Stated Communication by a two thirds majority vote of the members present after each member of that lodge has been notified by mail or by use of the internet (e-mail, face book, twitter etc.) no less than ten days prior to the Stated Communication.

Respectfully submitted,

VW James R. Herrington (13) RW Jerome P Wasson (13, 20)

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-6

To Amend section 4.02, bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To realign the Grand Lodge Districts so there are the same number of Lodges in each District.

WHEREAS: The Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge is currently divided into five Districts consisting of three, four, and five Lodges, and

WHEREAS: The Districts which are made up of five Lodges include the most remote and isolated Lodges in our Jurisdiction, and

WHEREAS: The Districts which are made up of three and four Lodges are generally within urban centers and there exist a lot of mutual support between the Lodges in each of those Districts, and

WHEREAS: Realigning the Districts where each contained four Lodges would be a more equitable and manageable distribution, and

WHEREAS: Realigning the Districts so that, to the greatest degree possible, each contained a core group of urban Lodges and at least one remote Lodge would allow a greater distribution of support for our remote Lodges.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 4.02, bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 4.02 Bylaw DISTRICTS AND LODGES. The Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge is divided into Districts with Lodges assigned as shown below:

District l Tanana Lodge No. 3, Fairbanks Valdez Lodge No. 4, Valdez Fairbanks Lodge 12, Fairbanks North Pole Lodge No. 16, North Pole District 2 Mt. McKinley Lodge No. 5, Cordova Seward Lodge No. 6, Seward Kodiak Lodge No. 9, Kodiak Kenai Lodge No. 11, Soldotna

Sterling Lodge 22, Sterling District 3 Glacier Lodge No. 10, Anchorage Aurora Lodge No. 15, Anchorage Anchorage Lodge No. 17, Anchorage District 4 White Pass Lodge No. 1, Skagway Mt. Verstovia Lodge No. 18, Sitka Ketchikan Lodge No. 19, Ketchikan Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux Lodge 21, Juneau Petersburg Lodge 23, Petersburg District 5 Matanuska Lodge No. 7, Palmer Eagle River Lodge No. 13, Eagle River Iditarod Lodge No. 20, Wasilla

Be amended to read:

Section 4.02 Bylaw DISTRICTS AND LODGES. The Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge is divided into Districts with Lodges assigned as shown below: District l White Pass Lodge No. 1, Skagway Tanana Lodge No. 3, Fairbanks Valdez Lodge No. 4, Valdez Fairbanks Lodge 12, Fairbanks North Pole Lodge No. 16, North Pole District 2 Mt. McKinley Lodge No. 5, Cordova Seward Lodge No. 6, Seward Kodiak Lodge No. 9, Kodiak Kenai Lodge No. 11, Soldotna Sterling Lodge 22, Sterling District 3 Mt. McKinley Lodge No. 5, Cordova Glacier Lodge No. 10, Anchorage Aurora Lodge No. 15, Anchorage Anchorage Lodge No. 17, Anchorage District 4 White Pass Lodge No. 1, Skagway Mt. Verstovia Lodge No. 18, Sitka Ketchikan Lodge No. 19, Ketchikan Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux Lodge 21, Juneau Petersburg Lodge 23, Petersburg

District 5 Valdez Lodge No. 4, Valdez Matanuska Lodge No. 7, Palmer Eagle River Lodge No. 13, Eagle River Iditarod Lodge No. 20, Wasilla

Respectfully Submitted,

VW James R. Herrington (13)

Note: This resolution failed to receive a majority vote on February 5, 2010.

Resolution 2010-7

To amend Sections 8.01 and 8.02 bylaw of The Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To provide a more user friendly study Guide for the degrees of Freemasonry as presently provided by the Grand Lodge of Alaska F&AM.

WHEREAS: It is both cumbersome and time consuming for a Brother to practice and learn the various works of Masonic degree work as presently provided, and

WHEREAS: Such consolidation would not violate the integrity of the Esoteric Work, and

WHEREAS: A draft copy of a suggested Book for consideration has been provided to the Grand Master for display to the lodges during his 2009 visitations, and

WHEREAS: The Consolidated book presently called " STANDARD WORK AND FREEMASONS GUIDE OF THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF F&AM OF ALASKA" has received positive reviews by a majority of those present at the presentations of the Grand Master.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Chapter 8-Standard Work which now reads:

CHAPTER 8 - STANDARD WORK

Section 8.01 Constitution STANDARD WORK. The Esoteric Work, together with the Monitorial Work, as approved by a three fourths vote of the Grand Lodge, is the Standard work of this Grand Jurisdiction. Constituent Lodges shall practice this Standard Work and no other. The Grand Secretary is the custodian of the Master Copy of the Esoteric Work. He shall store it within a suitable safe within his office. The Craft may examine the Master Copy under safeguards provided by the Grand Secretary. (Section revised 1989)

Section 8.02 Bylaw STANDARD WORK CIPHER. 1. For the purpose of insuring uniformity in the Standard Work and Lectures throughout this Jurisdiction, the Grand Lodge prints such Standard Work and Lectures in cipher, but with the essential secrets excluded. 2. The Standard Work and Lectures, including the Posting Lecture, are printed in a size not to exceed three inches in width, by five inches in length. Each degree is printed in a separate book, and its Posting Lecture is included in that book. 3. Such booklets are sold to the Lodges and members of this Grand Jurisdiction by the Grand Secretary at a price not more than 25% higher than the cost of printing. 4. Said ciphers may not bear writing, title page, or other identification indicating it to be the work of this Grand Jurisdiction. 5. The printed copies of the Standard Work Cipher authorized by this Section may be sold only to Secretaries of Constituent Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction for distribution to members, provided that the Grand Secretary is authorized to exchange copies with recognized foreign Grand Jurisdictions.

Be amended to read:

CHAPTER 8 - STANDARD WORK

2. The Standard Work and Lectures, including the Posting Lecture, are printed in a size not to exceed three inches in width, by five inches in length. Each degree is printed in a separate book, and its Posting Lecture is included in that book. 3. Such booklets are sold to the Lodges and members of this Grand Jurisdiction by the Grand Secretary at a price not more than 25% higher than the cost of printing. 4. Said ciphers may not bear writing, title page, or other identification indicating it to be the work of this Grand Jurisdiction. 5. The printed copies of the Standard Work Cipher authorized by this Section may be sold only to Secretaries of Constituent Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction for distribution to members, provided that the Grand Secretary is authorized to exchange copies with recognized foreign Grand Jurisdictions.

Section 8.03 Bylaw CONSOLIDATON OF STANDARD WORK 1. An Alaska Standard Work and Freemasons Guide, to include the Esoteric Work and Monitorial Work, may be consolidated into one book with pages of a size not to exceed "8.5 X 11" inches and may be distributed under the guidelines within Paragraph 6 of Section 8.02, provided that such standard work shall be distributed only to Master Masons, including those Master Masons who, have not yet completed the Proficiency in the Third Degree. With regard to study by a Brother in the various stages of his degrees this study guide may be segregated into the section/sections appropriate to his elevation in the Masonic Degrees.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles E Corbin (7, 20) V. Clifford Darnell (13, 17, 20) Lloyd W Triggs (3, 16)

Note: This resolution was withdrawn with the authorization of the Grand Master on February 4, 2010 and resubmitted as Emergent Resolution 2010-1.

Resolution 2010-8

To amend Chapter 5 bylaw of The Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To expand the list of the list of Standing Committees in Chapter 5 of the Alaska Masonic Code to include a Scholarship committee.

WHEREAS: In March 2009 the Grand Lodge of Alaska was successful in securing tax exempt status for its Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children (AMFC) endowment under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and

WHEREAS: The Grand Lodge of Alaska Masonic Visual Arts and Music Scholarship is an integral part of the AMFC, and

WHEREAS: Earnings on the principal amount deposited in the Grand Lodge of Alaska Masonic Visual Arts and Music Scholarship fund shall be distributed annually in the form of grants for post secondary education, and

WHEREAS: Solicitation for applications for scholarships and distribution of funds to successful applicants must be accomplished on an annual basis.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 5.01 bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 5.01 Bylaw STANDING COMMITTEES. On the last day of each Annual Communication, just before its close, the Grand Master shall appoint the following Standing Committees to serve until the close of the succeeding Annual Communication: 1. A committee of five on Jurisprudence. 2. A committee of three on Grievance and Appeals. 3. A committee of three on Finance. 4. A committee of one on Fraternal Relations. 5. A committee of five on Masonic Research and Education. 6. A committee of five on Credentials. 7. A committee of three on Masonic Public Relations. 8. A committee of three on DeMolay. 9. A committee of three on Bylaws. 10. A committee of one on Public Schools. 11. A committee of seven on Long Range Planning 12. A committee of five on Leadership Training. Committees 1, 2, 3, and 6 shall meet on Wednesday preceding the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. (Section revised 1988, 2003)

Be amended to read,

4. A committee of one on Fraternal Relations. 5. A committee of five on Masonic Research and Education. 6. A committee of five on Credentials. 7. A committee of three on Masonic Public Relations. 8. A committee of three on DeMolay. 9. A committee of three on Bylaws. 10. A committee of one on Public Schools. 11. A committee of seven on Long Range Planning 12. A committee of five on Leadership Training. 13. A committee of four on Scholarships. Committees 1, 2, 3, and 6 shall meet on Wednesday preceding the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a new Section 5.15 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code be added to read:

Section 5.15 Bylaw Scholarship. The Scholarship committee shall annually administer the Grand Lodge of Alaska Masonic Visual Arts and Music Scholarship. Specifically, the committee shall promote the scholarship throughout the jurisdiction, soliciting applications from the target group of applicants, determine award levels, and distribute scholarship funds available to successful applicants.

Respectfully Submitted:

Jerry W. Pinion (10) Ron Ackerman (1)

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-9

To amend Section 16.16 Bylaw of The Alaska Masonic Code (Duties of the Secretary)

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To allow the Lodge Secretary alternative means to provide information about the business discussed in the previous Stated and Special Communications.

WHEREAS: Information from the previous Stated and Special Communications of a Lodge assists the brethren in conducting the business of the current Stated Communication, and

WHEREAS: Time spent in reading the minutes of the previous Stated and Special Communications to the brethren in order to provide that information is time consuming and detracts from the business at hand, and

WHEREAS: Alternative means of providing information are more effective than having them read to the brethren and those means can give the brethren more time to review that information. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 16.16 Bylaw, subsection 2 of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 16.16 Bylaw SECRETARY. It is the duty of the Secretary: 2. To transcribe fairly, such proceedings from the minute book to the regular record book after they have been approved or corrected, read them from the record book at the next Stated Communication for information, and after signing them, present them to the Master for his approval and signature. The Master may dispense with reading the minutes of previous Special Communications when deemed expedient;

Be amended to read,

Section 16.16 Bylaw SECRETARY. It is the duty of the Secretary: 2. To transcribe fairly, such proceedings from the minute book to the regular record book after they have been approved or corrected, read them provide the pertinent information from the record book at or before the next Stated Communication for information, and after signing them, present them to the Master for his approval and signature. The Master may dispense with reading the minutes of previous Special Communications when deemed expedient;

Respectfully Submitted:

Jerry W. Pinion (10) Ron Ackerman (1)

Note: This resolution was withdrawn with the authorization of the Grand Master on February 4, 2010.

Resolution 2010-10

To amend Sections 16.02, 16.03, 17.01, 20.11, and 20.12 bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To require all newly raised Master Masons to pass an examination of proficiency before becoming members in good standing of the lodge. And to add proficiency requirement for candidates who receive their degrees in a “One- Day-Class.”

WHEREAS: The proficiency requirement for Master Masons was dropped at the 2004 Annual Communication in Sitka. But is required before election or appointment to office in a lodge of Senior Deacon or higher.

WHEREAS: No method has been established to identify Master Masons who have performed full proficiency and those who have demonstrated only minimal proficiency.

WHEREAS: Ineligible brothers have been appointed or elected to lodge offices and been forced to resign after installation due to lack of performed proficiency.

WHEREAS: A Master Mason may affiliate with a new lodge and it is assumed that he is eligible to be elected to the office of Warden or Master of the new lodge. WHEREAS: The proficiency requirements of the current Alaska Masonic Code creates two classes of Master Masons, those who are fully proficient and those who are minimally proficient.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 20.11 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Section 20.11 Bylaw PROFICIENCY IN THE DEGREES. A candidate may not be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, nor raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason without proof of proficiency in the preceding degree. This may be done by either: 1. memorization and recital of the Standard Proficiency as detailed in the Standard Work Cipher of this Jurisdiction; or, 2. by completion of a written Study Guide provided by the Grand Secretary as an education in Freemasonry and the memorizing and recital of the obligation of each degree as the Brother progresses through the degrees. The choice of proficiency method

57 shall be made by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, and can be changed as the situation may dictate.

After being raised as a Master Mason the Brother shall pay his dues for the current year as established in the Lodge Bylaws and sign the Bylaws. He then becomes an enrolled member of that Lodge. If at a later date he wishes to progress through the ”Chairs” of his Lodge he must demonstrate proficiency in the Master Mason degree in accordance with Section 20.11 Bylaw paragraph 1 & 2 prior to being installed in the office of Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, or Worshipful Master.

The Provisions of this paragraph may be waived by the Grand Master for the purpose of conducting a One-Day Ritual Class. (Section revised 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004)

Be amended to read:

Section 20.11 Bylaw PROFICIENCY IN THE DEGREES. A candidate may not be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, nor raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason without proof of proficiency in the preceding degree. This may be done by either: 1. memorization and recital of the Standard Proficiency as detailed in the Standard Work Cipher of this Jurisdiction; or, 2. by completion of a written Study Guide provided by the Grand Secretary as an education in Freemasonry and the memorizing and recital of the obligation of each degree as the Brother progresses through the degrees. The choice of proficiency method shall be made by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, and can be changed as the situation may dictate.

After being raised as a Master Mason the Brother shall pay his dues for the current year as established in the Lodge Bylaws and sign the Bylaws. He then becomes an enrolled member of that Lodge. If at a later date he wishes to progress through the ”Chairs” of his Lodge he must demonstrate proficiency in the Master Mason degree in accordance with Section 20.11 Bylaw paragraph 1 & 2 prior to being installed in the office of Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, or Worshipful Master.

After the Brother is declared proficient in the Degree of Master Mason by the Master of the Lodge, he must then sign the Bylaws of the Lodge and pay his dues for the current year. This may be done: (1) Immediately following the examination if the Brother was examined in open Lodge: or, (2) At the next Stated Communication of the Lodge if the Brother was examined by a committee or if he selected the written Study Guide. He then becomes an enrolled member of that Lodge.

The Those Provisions of this paragraph relating to proficiency in the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Degrees may be waived by the Grand Master for the purpose of conducting a One-Day Ritual Class. (Section revised 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2010)

And, be it further resolved that Section 20.12 bylaw which now reads:

Section 20.12 bylaw One-Day Ritual Class. The Grand Master may, at his option, authorize a One-Day Ritual Class using the following guide lines: 1. All Candidates for the class must have petitioned and been elected by a lodge in this Jurisdiction as outlined in Chapter 19 of the Alaska Masonic Code. 2. One Blue Lodge will be selected, by the Grand Master, to act as Host Lodge for the One-Day Ritual Class. Candidates from lodges other than the Host Lodge will be handled as courtesy candidates; 3. All three degrees (E.A., F.C., & M.M.) will be presented in full form during the One-Day Class; 4. Proficiencies at the conclusion of the One-Day Class will consist, minimally, of the modes of recognition (step, due guard and sign, grip and word) of each Degree. A candidate who passes said minimal proficiency will be declared proficient by the Worshipful Master of his Lodge. The Candidate must sign the bylaws of his Lodge and pay the current year’s dues. He then becomes an enrolled Member of that Lodge. (A Candidate who wishes to go beyond the minimum requirement and complete the entire Posting Lecture or alternate Proficiency per Section 20.11 should certainly be encouraged to do so. 5. Any Member who receives his degrees in a One-Day Class and opts for the minimal proficiency, and who, at a later date, wishes to progress through the “chairs” of his Lodge will demonstrate proficiency in each of the three degrees, in accordance with Section 20.11, prior to being installed in the Office of Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden or Worshipful Master. (Section Adopted 2000)

Be amended to read:

Section 20.12 bylaw One-Day Ritual Class. The Grand Master may, at his option, authorize a One-Day Ritual Class using the following guide lines: 1. All Candidates for the class must have petitioned and been elected by a lodge in this Jurisdiction as outlined in Chapter 19 of the Alaska Masonic Code. 2. One Blue Lodge will be selected, by the Grand Master, to act as Host Lodge for the One-Day Ritual Class. Candidates from lodges other than the Host Lodge will be handled as courtesy candidates; 3. All three degrees (E.A., F.C., & M.M.) will be presented in full form during the One-Day Class; 4. Proficiency for Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft degrees at the conclusion of the One-Day Class will consist, minimally, of the modes of recognition (step, due guard and sign, grip and word) of each Degree. A candidate who passes said minimal proficiency will be declared proficient in the EA and FC degrees by the Worshipful Master of his Lodge. The Candidate must then return to his lodge and demonstrate proficiency in the MM degree as in accordance with Section 20.11, sign the bylaws of his Lodge and pay the current year’s dues. He then becomes an enrolled Member of that Lodge. (A Candidate who wishes to go beyond the minimum requirement and complete the entire Posting Lecture or alternate Proficiency per Section 20.11 should certainly be encouraged to do so. 5. Any Member who receives his degrees in a One-Day Class and opts for the minimal proficiency, and who, at a later date, wishes to progress through the “chairs” of his Lodge will demonstrate proficiency in each of the three degrees, in accordance with Section 20.11, prior to being installed in the Office of Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden or Worshipful Master. (Section Adopted 2000)

And, be it further resolved that Section 16.02 bylaw which now reads:

Section 16.02 Bylaw QUALIFICATION TO VOTE, ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE. Each member in good standing of a Lodge is entitled to vote, and is eligible to hold any office therein, except as restricted in Section 20.11. (Section revised 2004)

Be amended to read:

And be it further resolved that Section 16.03 which now reads:

Section 16.03 Bylaw OFFICER QUALIFICATION. Prior to election or appointment, officers of a Lodge must be voting members thereof except the Chaplain, Organist, and Tyler, who may also be voting members of the Lodge or they may be members of other regular Lodges, except as restricted in Section 20.11. (Section revised 2004)

Be amended to read:

Section 17.01 Bylaw LODGE MEMBERSHIP, HOW ACQUIRED. Membership in a Lodge is acquired only in one of the following manners: 1. By being one of the Brethren to whom was granted the Dispensation or Charter under which the Lodge was constituted; 2. By being elected by the Lodge to receive the degrees, receiving the Third Degree therein, signing the Bylaws, and paying dues as provided for in Section 20.11;

Be amended to read:

Section 17.01 Bylaw LODGE MEMBERSHIP, HOW ACQUIRED. Membership in a Lodge is acquired only in one of the following manners: 1. By being one of the Brethren to whom was granted the Dispensation or Charter under which the Lodge was constituted; 2. By being elected by the Lodge to receive the degrees, receiving the Third Degree therein, passing a satisfactory examination for proficiency in the Third Degree, signing the Bylaws, and paying dues as provided for in Section 20.11;

Respectfully submitted,

MW Samuel K Medsker (3,12,16) VW Monte R Ervin (3,12,16) Jason P. Mayrand SW (3)

Note: This resolution failed to receive the required three fourths vote but did receive a majority vote and is a Carryover Resolution to be considered in 2011.

Resolution 2010-11

To amend Section 16.16 sub-paragraph 2 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To delete the requirement for the Secretary of the Lodges to read the minutes of the stated meeting at the next stated communication.

WHEREAS: At the beginning of each stated communication the secretary spends thirty to forty-five minutes reading the minutes of the last stated and the intervening special communications.

WHEREAS: Many members are bored or asleep at the end of these readings.

WHEREAS: We need to make lodge meetings interesting to improve attendance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Section 16.16 sub-paragraph 2 Bylaw of the Alaska Masonic Code which now reads:

Be amended to read:

Respectfully submitted,

MW Samuel K. Medsker (3,12,16) VW Monte R. Ervin (3,12,16)

Michael A. Starkey PM (3)

Note: This resolution failed to receive the required three fourths vote but did receive a majority vote and is a Carryover Resolution to be considered in 2011.

Emergent Resolution 2010-1

To add Section 8.04 bylaw to The Alaska Masonic Code

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: To provide a more user friendly study Guide for the degrees of Freemasonry as presently provided by the Grand Lodge of Alaska F&AM.

WHEREAS: It is both cumbersome and time consuming for a Brother to practice and learn the various works of Masonic degree work as presently provided, and

WHEREAS: Such consolidation would not violate the integrity of the Esoteric Work, and

WHEREAS: A draft copy of a suggested Book for consideration has been provided to the Grand Master for display to the lodges during his 2009 visitations, and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Chapter 8-Standard Work which now reads:

CHAPTER 8 - STANDARD WORK

Section 8.03 Bylaw CERTIFICATES OF PROFICIENCY. A Certificate of Proficiency is issued to a Brother who passes a satisfactory examination in the Standard Work of any one of the three degrees of Masonry before a Deputy of the Grand Master or a Past Master appointed by the Grand Master. Separate Certificates will be issued for each of the following examinations: 1. The Standard Work of the Entered Apprentice Degree. 2. The Standard Work of the Fellowcraft Degree. 3. The Standard Work of the Master Mason Degree. The Certificates are issued in the following named Awards: a. Past Master, upon an examination with 5 or less errors. b. Masters, upon an examination with 6 but not more than 12 errors. c. Master Masons, upon an examination with 13 but not more than 25 errors. A reasonable opportunity must be given during the examination to correct each error. Such certificates must be signed by the Deputy of the Grand Master or the Past Master who gave the examination and attested by the Grand Secretary, who shall keep a record thereof. (Section revised 1995)

Be amended to read:

CHAPTER 8 - STANDARD WORK

64 it within a suitable safe within his office. The Craft may examine the Master Copy under safeguards provided by the Grand Secretary. (Section revised 1989)

Section 8.02 Bylaw STANDARD WORK CIPHER. 1. For the purpose of insuring uniformity in the Standard Work and Lectures throughout this Jurisdiction, the Grand Lodge prints such Standard Work and Lectures in cipher, but with the essential secrets excluded. 2. The Standard Work and Lectures, including the Posting Lecture, are printed in a size not to exceed three inches in width, by five inches in length. Each degree is printed in a separate book, and its Posting Lecture is included in that book. 3. Such booklets are sold to the Lodges and members of this Grand Jurisdiction by the Grand Secretary at a price not more than 25% higher than the cost of printing. 4. Said ciphers may not bear writing, title page, or other identification indicating it to be the work of this Grand Jurisdiction. 6. The printed copies of the Standard Work Cipher authorized by this Section may be sold only to Secretaries of Constituent Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction for distribution to members, provided that the Grand Secretary is authorized to exchange copies with recognized foreign Grand Jurisdictions.

Section 8.04 Bylaw CONSOLIDATON OF STANDARD WORK An Alaska Standard Work and Freemasons Guide, to include the Esoteric Work and Monitorial Work, may be consolidated into one book with pages of a size not to exceed "8.5 X 11" inches and may be distributed under the guidelines within Paragraph 6 of Section 8.02, provided that such standard work shall be distributed only to Master Masons, including those Master Masons who, have not yet completed the Proficiency in the

Third Degree. With regard to study by a Brother in the various stages of his degrees this study guide may be segregated into the section/sections appropriate to his elevation in the Masonic Degrees.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles E. Corbin (7, 20) for M.W. John R. “Bo” Cline______Grand Master

Note: Passed by a hand vote of the members present on February 4, 2010.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Jurisprudence Committee

1st Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred portions of the Grand Master’s Message, have considered the same and report as follows:

The Grand Master’s action number 1 is in proper form to be considered by Grand Lodge. This action concerns recognition change with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alaska and appointment of a special committee.

We believe the Grand Master acted within the guidelines of the Alaska Masonic Code.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

MW Grand Master I move that this resolution be adopted.

2nd Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska.

We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred portions of the Grand Master’s Message, have considered the same and report as follows: The Grand Master’s action number 2 is not in conformity with Alaska Masonic Code, Section 34.03 by restoring J. Winchester to the status as a Mason at large. This action overrode the vote of the Constituent Lodge which indefinitely suspended J. Winchester, and was upheld on appeal.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

MW Grand Master I move that this resolution be adopted . This motion requires a simple majority for approval

Failed to adopt.

3rd Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred portions of the Grand Master’s Message, have considered the same and report as follows:

The Grand master’s action number 3 in recognizing 28 Prince Hall Grand Lodges allowing a vote of this Grand Lodge was improper. We find that the Grand Master’s action in requesting amity with 29 Prince Hall Grand Lodge’s was improper. His action denied this Grand Lodge the opportunity to discuss and vote on recognition of foreign jurisdictions.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

MW Grand Master I move that this resolution be adopted

4th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Carryover Resolution No. 2009-1 which proposed to amend Section 8.02 subsection 5 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As this is a carryover resolution amending a bylaw, it requires a simple majority to pass.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12, 16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Carryover resolution 2009-1 passed.

5th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Carryover Resolution No. 2009-2 which proposed to amend Section 14.08 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As this is a carryover resolution amending a bylaw, it requires a simple majority to pass.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received. For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Carryover resolution 2009-2 passed.

6th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Carryover Resolution No. 2009-10 which proposed to amend Sections 7.06 and 7.07 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend the Constitution, it requires a two-thirds majority vote for adoption..

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Carryover resolution 2009-10 failed

7th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-1 which proposes to amend Sections 9.06, 9.09, 12.08, 16.16, 17.09, 18.02, 19.13, and 20.11 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend several bylaws it requires a three fourths majority vote for adoption..

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash, (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-1 passed

8th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-2 which proposes to amend Sections 9.01 and 11.01 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend the Constitution, it requires a ninety percent vote for adoption..

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman

MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-2 passed

9th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-3 which proposes to amend Section 16.5 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted.

As it proposes to amend a bylaw, it requires a three fourths majority vote of adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-3 passed

10th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska.

We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-4 which proposes to amend Section 16.16 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend a bylaw, it requires a three fourths majority vote of adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-4 passed

11th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-5 which proposes to amend Section 15.02 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend the Constitution, it requires a ninety percent vote for adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-5 passed

12th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-6 which proposes to amend Section 4.02 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend a bylaw, it requires a three fourths majority vote of adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-6 failed

13th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-8 which proposes to amend Section 5.01 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend a bylaw, it requires a three fourths majority vote of adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-8 passed

14th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-10 which proposes to amend Sections 16.02, 16.03, 17.01, 20.11, and 20.12 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend several bylaws, it requires a three fourths majority vote of adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12, 16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-10 is a Carryover Resolution to be considered in 2011

15th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Resolution No. 2010-11 which proposes to amend Section 16.16 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted..

As it proposes to amend a bylaw, it requires a three fourths majority vote of adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12,16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Resolution 2010-11 is a Carryover Resolution to be considered in 2011

16th Report

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Alaska. We the Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred Emergent Resolution No. 2010-1 which proposes to add Section 8.04 of the Alaska Masonic Code, have considered the same and report as follows:

This Resolution is in proper form for consideration by Grand Lodge. This Committee does not express an opinion as to whether this Resolution should or should not be adopted.. As it proposes to amend a bylaw, it requires a three fourths majority vote of adoption.

Respectfully submitted,

VW Ken Creamer (9, 18), Chairman MW Sam Medsker (3, 12, 16) VW Tim Smith (22) W Tom Westall (20) Bro. Phil Nash (11, 22), Advisor

MW Grand Master I ask that this report be received.

For the purpose of placing the Resolution on the floor, I move for adoption of the Resolution.

Emergent Resolution 2010-1 passed

Grievance and Appeals

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska:

The Grievance and Appeals Committee is pleased to report that this committee did not receive any grievances or appeals during the year 2009.

Respectfully Submitted

MW Thomas O. Mickey HPGM, Chairman MW L. V. “Joe” Dees, PGM RW Bro. Jacques Boily

Finance

Report of the Grand Treasurer

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alaska, F. & A.M.

I hereby submit my Report to the Grand Lodge for 2009, and I would like to report that 2009 was a little better than 2008.

A special thanks to Junior Past Grand Master Jared Decker. Although the weather was challenging, the Annual Communications in Kodiak was a financial success due to MW Decker’s frugal expenditures and spending a lot of his own money.

Masonic statements were provided to the Grand Master, Grand Line, and Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee along with the Grand Lodge Officers met twice during the year to discuss our finances with our Financial Advisor Bro. Dan O’Connell.

The Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children was finally made a 501 c (3) Corporation through the efforts of MW Bo Cline. This is a tax deductible corporation. Please feel free to donate to this most worthy cause and please make all checks payable to the Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children (AMFC) and not to the Grand Lodge of Alaska. We will take it either way, but it keeps the paper trail easier to follow and simplifies accountability.

The Grand Lodge received a windfall of $50,000.00 from Juneau-Gastineau Lodge #21. The Finance Committee and the Grand Lodge Officers discussed the donation since the money was not dedicated to a specific fund, it was decided to deposit this money in the Travel Fund.

The goal is to get the Travel Fund to $100,000.00 and utilize a percentage of the earned interest and possibly, in the future it will fund Grand Lodge Officers travel and thereby allowing more of our operational funds for other endeavors. The Travel Fund is presently $44,753.00 and the additional funds increase is $94,753.00 Again donations to this fund are always welcome and will bring us closer to our goal of assisting future Grand Lodge Officers with travel expenses and lessen the out-of-pocket expenses incurred.

To all Lodge Treasurer’s, the IRS changed the rules on non-profit and all Lodges are required to file returns. All Lodges with less than $25,000 in gross receipts must file 990-N Notice (e-Postcard). You will need to go to www.irs.gov/eo to file. If you do not have your EIN number, contact the Grand Treasurer at (907-351-2669 or [email protected]. When you file be sure to cc [email protected] so it can be placed in your file at the Grand Lodge Office. All those Lodges that make over $25,000 please continue to send your 990’s to the Office.

Finally, thanks for the opportunity to serve as Grand Treasurer and I would like to thank the person who keeps me and the books straight, my wife, Tes. Thanks to the Grand Secretary, RW Jerry Wasson and VW Tom Schram in the Grand Lodge Office for all they do for me. Special thanks to the Finance Committee, MW Bo Cline and the Grand Lodge Officers.

Respectfully Submitted

RW James D. Grubbs Grand Treasurer

Report of the Finance Committee

April 30, 2009 Meeting

The meeting was opened at 10:00 AM with a prayer by MW Harry Koenen.

The committee members present were: MW Harry Koenen Chairman, VW Mike Swenson, WB Jim Griffith, Bro. Dan O’Connell advisor, and call-in member RW Jim Grubbs. Also present were MW John R. “Bo” Cline, RW Johnnie Wallace, RW Ronald Ackerman, RW Jerry Pinion.

Bro. Dan O’Connell brought everyone up to date on our investment accounts and what to expect in the future. We are presently down 22% on our investments at this time. MW Harry Koenen brought up changing our investment policy statements. After discussion it was decided not to make any changes.

MW John “Bo” Cline made a motion that the Arts and Scholarship Funds be transferred to the Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children. The motion passed. The Arts and Scholarship Fund will pay the Arts and Scholarship Committee expenses and legal expenses for establishment of the new corporation.

It was decided to set up a fund raising account. RW Jim Grubbs stated we have one but no money is in it. Money will be looked at the next year’s budget meeting.

RW Johnnie Wallace talked about using ASBIZ. We will check on it.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:07 PM

September 30, 2009 Meeting

The meeting was opened at 10:15 AM with a prayer by MW Harry Koenen.

The committee members present were: MW Harry Koenen Chairman, VW Mike Swenson, WB Jim Griffith, Bro. Dan O’Connell advisor, RW Jim Grubbs. Also present were MW John R. “Bo” Cline, RW Johnnie Wallace,

RW Jim Grubbs read the minutes of the previous meeting.

Fund raising for the Grand Lodge was discussed and it was decided to put some Fund Raising seed money in the next year’s budget.

MW John R. “Bo” Cline discussed his fundraising and Wills and Endowments.

Bro. Dan O’Connell reviewed the Grand Lodge accounts and what we might expect for the rest of the year. The Permanent Fund is down 6.7%. We are focusing on value funds at the present. The General Fund is back in the black and we should keep $25,000.00 in available cash. The Arts and Scholarship Fund or Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children, we will only use a percentage of the interest for scholarships, we need to keep some for inflation proofing.

A motion was made by MW Harry Koenen to increase same travel rates and accounting fees. VW Mike Swenson seconded and the motion carried. The increases will be in next year’s budget.

MW Bo Cline discussed the need for the M.O.R.I. System and its benefits. A discussion followed on providing the Junior Past Grand Master with a mileage ticket to the Grand Masters Conference from the Grand Lodge Frequent Flyer Program.

RW Jim Grubbs brought up expenses were paid by the Grand Lodge to set up the Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children and these expenses should be reimbursed from that account. He made a motion to pay these expenses from the Arts & Scholarship fund to the Grand Lodge checking account; seconded by WB Jim Griffith; motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM

February 3, 2010 Meeting

The meeting was opened at 10:10 AM with a prayer by MW Harry Koenen.

The committee members present were: MW Harry Koenen Chairman, VW Mike Swenson, WB Jim Griffith, Bro. Dan O’Connell advisor.

Others present were MW John R. “Bo” Cline, RW Johnnie Wallace, and RW Jerry Pinion.

The Grand Secretary stated the need for a new laptop. MW Harry Koenen said that the computer should be bought out of 2009’s budget. The Grand Secretary will pick out a computer within the $750.00 budget.

MW Harry Koenen discussed the accountability for fund raising items and expenditures. The Junior Grand Warden should be the pointman. This will be put in the Brain Book.

MW Harry Koenen recommended that $7,000.00 is needed for fundraising and that account number 4250 be raised from $4,000.00 to $7,000.00 and seconded by VW Mike Swenson.

The IRS filings have to be made as soon as possible so that the Grand Lodge does not lose it non-profit status. RW Johnnie Wallace will address this at his meetings.

Bro. Dan O’Connell brought the committee up to date on our accounts.

MW Grand Master “Bo” Cline gave his report on revenues for Grand Lodge and the scholarship program, wills and endowments, direct sales (shirts, etc.). He stated our Web page has its limits with our web master. We should either send him for training and order

79 new programs or contract it out. Cost for contracting it out will be between $500.00 and $1,000.00 and $20.00 a month maintenance fees. There are no firm costs.

The Grand Master discussed the M.O.R.I. system as a tool to get lodges into the technological age of today. The initial cost will be $5,000.00 plus $2,800.00 a year. RW Johnnie Wallace expounded on Lodges not sending in reports now, so M.O.R.I. nay not work just yet.

VW Mike Swenson suggested that the demo should be shown to lodge secretaries and get their input. MW Harry Koenen requested that all non-members leave the room and a short break occurred. MW Harry Koenen brought up that we have to deal with items in the Grand Master’s message. First, that we needed more permanent cost for the web site. A motion by RW Jim Grubbs and seconded by VW Mike Swenson that we do not recommend going forward with this at this time until we have more information available. This should be exempted from the Grand Master’s message.

We recommend that the M.O.R.I. system not be pursued at this time until we can get our lodge secretaries to send in their reports. We recommend that the M.O.R.I. system be presented to the secretaries and if they want a new system.

We do not concur with the Grand Master on this endeavor and that the $1.50 per capita tax not be passed. This part of his message should be exempted in his message.

Meeting adjourned at 12.10 PM

Audit Committee Report

Checking Account only

MW Grand Master John R. “Bo” Cline, RW James D. Grubbs, and RW Jerome P. Wasson

The Audit Committee consisting of the following members: RW Philip S. “Steve” Lee, RW Bobby Alexander, and VW Bro. James Herrington met on January 31, 2010 to conduct the audit of the Checking Accounts held at The First National Bank and the Grand Secretary’s receipt book

The books were audited from December 31, 2009 (December 31, 2008) to December 31, 2009. The beginning balance was $4,779.37 on December 30, 2008. Deposits for the year total $173,404.94 giving a balance of $178,184.31. Disbursements for the year total $114,578.37 leaving a balance in the checking account on December 31, 2009 of $63,605.94

The Grand Treasurer has been carrying two reconciliation items from 2004 and one from 2006 that should be cleared from the reconciliation. The deposit in transit from 2004 needs to be researched before it is finalized to ensure that the bank has given the Grand Lodge credit for the deposit.

The daily log that the Grand Secretary retains listing all monies received should be reconciled with each deposit made by the Grand Treasurer. This will greatly simplify the audit process and insure that the Grand Secretary has a complete listing of all funds received.

Recommend the bank statement and Secretary’s ledger be reconciled each month and each entry has a receipt or statement of what the deposit is for. An invoice or voucher should be on file for each check written.

The records of the bank accounts were in good order. The audit committee would like for the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary to consider looking at other accounting packages. This could simplify the work load for them and future audit committees.

Fraternally:

RW Philip S. “Steve” Lee, Chair RW Bobby W. Alexander VW James Herrington

Balance Sheet As of Dec 31, 2009 ASSETS ACCT NO. CHECKING & INVESTMENTS AMOUNT TOTALS 1110 Checking - First National Bank 63,606.44 1130 Money Market - 0551149 3,209.18 1140 Petty Cash 100.00 1150 Special Assessment-Legal Fees 19,679.74 1205 Arts - Scholarship Fund 25,794.17 1210 Travel Fund Acct 8851-4125 44,753.41 1215 General Charity Fund 4,251.66 1220 General Fund - 6327-9979 210,627.14 1230 Permanent Fund 1651-6357 248,388.64 1240 Life Membership - 1211-0782 147,659.16 1245 GL Per Capita Fund 2,192.76 770,262.30 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 1401 White Pass No. 1 4.59 1403 Tanana Lodge No. 3 17.07 1405 Mt. McKinley Lodge No. 5 2.25 81

Balance Sheet As of Dec 31, 2009 1406 Seward Lodge No. 6 2.65 1407 Matanuska Lodge No. 7 149.47 1409 Kodiak Lodge No. 9 4.59 1410 Glacier Lodge No. 10 51.25 1411 Kenai Lodge No. 11 8.53 1413 Eagle River Lodge No. 13 30.90 1415 Aurora Lodge No. 15 120.00 1416 North Pole Lodge No. 16 48.50 1418 Mt. Verstovia Lodge No. 18 19.95 1419 Ketchikan Lodge No. 19 47.84 1421 Mt. Juneau/Gastineaux No. 21 179.60 1422 Sterling Lodge No. 22 18.00 1423 Petersburg Lodge No. 23 48.65 Total Accounts Receivable 753.84

MASONIC SUPPLIES/INVENTORY 1509 AK Masonic Code w/Binder 161.00 1511 AK Masonic Code w/o Binder 63.00 1515 AK Monitor w/Binder 11.85 1516 AK Monitor Text w/o Binder 329.00 1520 Lodge Officer H'Book w/Binder 614.25 1521 Lodge Officer H'Book w/o Binder 52.50 1522 Further Light in Masonry 61.20 1530 List of Lodges Masonic 495.44 1540 Entered Apprentice Cipher 248.90 1541 Entered Apprentice Booklet 234.00 1543 GM Nickel Tokens 2007-08 5,253.88 1550 Fellowcraft Cipher 451.49 1551 Fellowcraft Booklet 472.44 1560 Master Mason Cipher 294.84 1561 Master Mason Booklet 379.17 1570 Pamphlet - On The Threshold 188.10 1571 Pamphlet - What I'd Like My Fr 161.64 1575 Claudy Books - VOL I 206.00 1576 Claudy Books VOL II 51.00 1577 Claudy Books - VOL III 77.00 1580 Pins - 25 Year 113.10 1581 Pins - 50 Year 69.30 1582 Pins - 75 Year 99.20 1585 Pins - Widow 43.55 1590 Commemorative Coins 3,038.00 Total Masonic Supplies/Inventory 13,169.85

Balance Sheet As of Dec 31, 2009 Property and Equipment 1810 Office Furniture & Fixtures 5,596.52 1820 Accum. Depreciation - F & F (4,996.00) 1830 Office Electronic/Computer Equ 13,524.70 1840 Accum. Depreciation - Elect. (7,777.84) Total Property and Equipment 6,347.38

Total Assets 790,533.37

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL Current Liabilities 2230 Bank of America 619.24 2250 Def. Income - Annual Comm. 10,354.50 2270 Def. Income - Other 155.40 Total Current Liabilities 11,129.14

Capital 3050 Grand Lodge Equity 20,323.98 3100 Arts - Scholarships 25,794.17 3120 General Charity Fund 4,251.66 3130 Travel Fund 94,753.41 3140 Life Membership 147,659.16 3145 GL Per Capita Life Membership 2,192.76 3160 Office Equipment Fund 1,776.46 3170 Proceedings - Transcript, P&B 23,636.85 3190 General Fund 210,627.14 3195 Permanent Fund 248,388.64 Net Income 0.00 Total Capital 779,404.23

Total Liabilities & Capital 790,533.37

Budget for 2010 2009 December Budget Dec 31, 2008 Acct 2010 2009 31 2009 VS 2008 2008 - Budget - # Budget Budget Actuals Actuals Budget Actual VS Actual Revenues 4100 Assessment - Per Capita 38,730.00 37,000.00 38,729.75 1,729.75 37,000.00 33,902.51 -3,097.49 4110 Assessment - Bulletin 3,432.00 3,300.00 3,431.75 131.75 3,300.00 3,342.51 42.51

Budget for 2010 4120 Assessment- Late Fee 50.00 50.00 0.00 -50.00 50.00 0.00 -50.00 Special Assessment- 4125 Legal Fees 0.00 20,000.00 19,820.00 -180.00 0.00 20,020.00 20,020.00 4130 GM Dispensations 100.00 100.00 50.00 -50.00 100.00 130.00 30.00 GWMNM Fund 4145 Contribution 2,306.00 2,260.00 2,306.00 46.00 1,500.00 2,260.00 760.00 Assessment - Petition 4150 Received 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,050.00 50.00 4,000.00 3,500.00 -500.00 Assessment - Degrees 4160 Conferred 800.00 750.00 835.00 85.00 750.00 780.00 30.00 Assessment – Affil’s / 4170 Degrees 600.00 600.00 600.00 0.00 600.00 990.00 390.00 4175 Reinstatement for NPD 250.00 150.00 307.50 157.50 75.00 266.50 191.50 General Contrib. / 4180 Donations 1,000.00 3,000.00 100.00 -2,900.00 3,000.00 0.00 -3,000.00 4250 Fund Raisers - Other 4,000.00 5,000.00 0.00 -5,000.00 3,500.00 450.00 -3,050.00 4252 Fundraiser- 2006 hats 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4253 Fundraiser- Jackets 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00 -500.00 4254 Fundraiser-Clocks 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 70.00 70.00 Fundraiser- 4255 Thermometers 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Sale of Masonic 4400 Inventory 3,000.00 3,500.00 4,799.25 1,299.25 3,500.00 5,365.18 1,865.18 Interest - Special 4800 Assessment Acct 0.00 10.00 10.92 0.92 0.00 9.56 9.56 4810 Interest - Money Market 100.00 100.00 8.94 -91.06 100.00 83.54 -16.46 Div -Interest - Charity 4815 Fund 10.00 140.00 11.84 -128.16 140.00 110.67 -29.33 Div & Interest - Travel 4820 Fund 2,500.00 2,500.00 2,371.83 -128.17 2,000.00 2,581.67 581.67 Div-Interest-Permanent 4825 Fund 6,500.00 12,500.00 4,958.73 -7,541.27 12,500.00 8,320.66 -4,179.34 Div-Interest - General 4830 Fund 4,500.00 4,785.00 3,186.74 -1,598.26 4,785.00 4,979.90 194.90 Div-Interest- Arts 4835 Scholarship Fund 650.00 850.00 1,059.56 209.56 850.00 903.02 53.02 Div-Interest - Life 4840 Membership 8,500.00 7,000.00 10,629.17 3,629.17 7,000.00 12,439.41 5,439.41 Investment Income 4841 Gains/Losses LM 0.00 0.00 20,820.86 20,820.86 0.00 -43,225.82 -43,225.82 Div-Interest – Per 4845 Capita Acct 3.00 60.00 1.80 -58.20 60.00 57.42 -2.58 Div-Interest Russian 4846 Relations 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 3.50 -16.50 Investment Income 4850 Gains/Losses 60,000.00 0.00 97,540.01 97,540.01 22,000.00 -207,493.78 -229,493.78 4900 Other Income-Misc 100.00 100.00 0.00 -100.00 100.00 0.00 -100.00 Reimbursed Expense - 4950 Ann. Comm 21,950.00 22,000.00 13,306.00 -8,694.00 22,000.00 18,910.04 -3,089.96 Reimbursed Expense- 4960 Leadership Tr’ng 500.00 1,000.00 386.00 -614.00 3,000.00 45.00 -2,955.00 Reimbursed Expense- 4970 West Conf. 0.00 250.00 0.00 -250.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Budget for 2010 Total Budget/ Gross Profit/Deviation 163,581.00 131,005.00 229,321.65 98,316.65 132,430.00 -131,198.51 -263,628.51 Annual Communication Expense Ann. Comm. - Banquet 6005 Expenses 16,680.00 18,350.00 12,914.12 -5,435.88 18,350.00 18,858.54 508.54 Ann. Comm. - 6015 Entertainment 500.00 800.00 0.00 -800.00 800.00 746.42 -53.58 Ann-Comm - Hotel 6025 Expenses 0.00 0.00 258.61 258.61 6030 Ann. Comm. - Printing 1,400.00 1,400.00 981.34 -418.66 1,400.00 1,058.79 -341.21 6040 Ann Comm - Supplies 550.00 550.00 54.78 -495.22 550.00 199.00 -351.00 Ann. Comm. - 6045 Transportation 500.00 1,000.00 0.00 -1,000.00 500.00 612.99 112.99 Ann. Comm. - Misc. 6050 Exp./Other 2,847.00 100.00 41.75 -58.25 100.00 0.00 -100.00 Total Annual Communication 22,477.00 22,200.00 14,250.60 -7,949.40 21,700.00 21,475.74 -224.26

6100 Leadership Training 800.00 800.00 245.55 -554.45 1,250.00 300.91 -949.09 Advertising / Public 6205 Relations 1,000.00 1,000.00 332.75 -667.25 1,550.00 0.00 -1,550.00 6220 Awards Program 200.00 200.00 0.00 -200.00 200.00 0.00 -200.00 6225 Bank Service Charges 100.00 100.00 0.00 -100.00 200.00 12.43 -187.57 6230 Contributions/Donations 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 -1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 -1,000.00 Inventory Cost of 4401 Goods 3,000.00 3,000.00 2,329.06 -670.94 3,000.00 4,686.61 1,686.61 Broker Commission/Foreign 6227 Tax 6,000.00 6,000.00 7,876.43 1,876.43 3,000.00 11,247.38 8,247.38 6255 Internet Service Exp 800.00 800.00 972.50 172.50 600.00 1,073.40 473.40 6260 Depreciation 2,891.00 2,891.00 1,106.00 -1,785.00 2,891.00 1,272.00 -1,619.00 6270 Dues & Subscriptions 1,000.00 1,000.00 983.94 -16.06 1,200.00 779.98 -420.02 6275 Equipment Rental 50.00 50.00 0.00 -50.00 50.00 0.00 -50.00 6277 Equipment Repair 575.00 575.00 540.00 -35.00 575.00 567.98 -7.02 6285 Fees - Legal / Audit 0.00 0.00 665.00 665.00 5,000.00 20,542.99 15,542.99 GL Replacement 6301 Regalia 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,965.20 965.20 1,000.00 328.00 -672.00 6305 Gr. Master. - Regalia 3,000.00 3,000.00 2,123.50 -876.50 1,500.00 219.00 -1,281.00 GM Expenses-Misc Out 6310 of Pocket 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00 0.00 -1,000.00 6315 GM Discretionary 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00 0.00 -1,000.00 6405 Travel - Grand Master 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 0.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 0.00 Travel - Deputy Grand 6410 Master 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 0.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 0.00 Travel - Senior Grand 6415 Warden 1,700.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 Travel - Junior Grand 6420 Warden 1,700.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 Travel - Grand 6425 Secretary 1,400.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 0.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 0.00 85

Budget for 2010 Travel - Grand 6430 Treasurer 1,400.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 0.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 0.00 G. Master & G. Sec'y 6505 Conference 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 0.00 Gr. Secretary - Misc. 6510 Expenses 750.00 750.00 0.00 -750.00 750.00 80.00 -670.00 George Washington 6620 Memorial Assoc. 2,260.00 2,260.00 2,306.00 46.00 1,500.00 2,260.00 760.00 6630 Liability Insurance 8,000.00 8,000.00 7,210.00 -790.00 8,000.00 6,885.00 -1,115.00 Workers Comp. 6635 Insurance 620.00 620.00 592.00 -28.00 350.00 401.00 51.00 Masonic Service Assoc. 6690 Dues 300.00 300.00 300.00 0.00 300.00 300.00 0.00 6700 Office Salary 12,600.00 12,600.00 12,604.80 4.80 12,600.00 12,453.60 -146.40 6705 Office Accounting Fees 8,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 0.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 0.00 6710 Office Supplies & Exp. 1,500.00 1,500.00 1,351.55 -148.45 1,500.00 1,282.78 -217.22 6735 Grand Lodge Bulletin 1,600.00 1,600.00 0.00 -1,600.00 1,600.00 0.00 -1,600.00 6730 Postage & Delivery 2,000.00 2,000.00 804.90 -1,195.10 2,000.00 1,292.45 -707.55 Printing - General 6745 Forms 200.00 1,000.00 511.99 -488.01 1,000.00 0.00 -1,000.00 6750 Rent 5,400.00 5,400.00 5,400.00 0.00 6,000.00 5,400.00 -600.00 6765 Telephone 600.00 600.00 497.91 -102.09 1,000.00 482.24 -517.76 6780 Web Site Fee 500.00 500.00 69.45 -430.55 1,000.00 116.00 -884.00 6785 Western Conference 250.00 250.00 0.00 -250.00 0.00 139.93 139.93 6790 Miscellaneous 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 -1,000.00 1,000.00 220.00 -780.00 6820 Corporate Taxes 50.00 50.00 0.00 -50.00 50.00 300.00 250.00 6821 Medicare 200.00 200.00 182.76 -17.24 200.00 180.57 -19.43 6822 F.I.C.A. 800.00 800.00 781.44 -18.56 800.00 772.08 -27.92 6823 State (S.U.I.) 300.00 380.00 126.00 -254.00 380.00 126.99 -253.01 6830 Federal (F.U.T.A.) 100.00 100.00 55.98 -44.02 100.00 55.99 -44.01 8010 Other Expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 113.70 -886.30 8011 IRS Penalty 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total Budget Exp/Actual Exp/Deviation 110,123.00 107,926.00 90,585.31 -17,340.69 110,246.00 117,768.75 7,522.75 *Distribution of Life Member Interest 8,500.00 7,000.00 10,629.17 3,629.17 Net Income 44,958.00 16,079.00 128,107.17 112,028.17 22,184.00 -248,967.26

BUDGET & EXPENSE FOOTNOTES:

The Amount of income shown for the George Washington National Monument is a "Pass Through" once the annual collection is complete the funds are forwarded to the GWNM

Masonic Research and Education

The committee was charged with gathering information relative to the Leadership Training committee’s needs for teaching material. To this end this committee, through the efforts of VW Brother Roger Hansen and MW Don Chaffin, has brought together the Leadership Training programs of other jurisdictions which we have delivered to the Grand Secretary to present to the Leadership Training Committee of this Grand Lodge for their use in developing further education for the leaders of the constituent Lodges.

Respectfully submitted,

MW Les Little PGM, Chairman VW Roger Hansen, Co-Chairman MW Don Chaffin VW Russ Shivers RW Jerry Pinion

Masonic Public Relations

No report from the Committee on Masonic Public Relations was received at the time of publication.

Masonic Youth

MWB John “Bo” Cline, Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska and honored guests.

It is my pleasure to provide this report of the efforts being pursued to restore and strengthen the Masonic Youth organizations within the jurisdiction of Alaska. I am especially pleased to tell you this year that significant progress is being made. Specifically, several things have been done this year. Report by the Masonic Youth Committee

First, at a Grand Lodge level the Masonic Youth Committee prepared a tri-fold brochure suitable for distribution to the Lodges and to Masons discussing Masonic Youth organizations. It described the value these organizations have for the Lodges, and how they can help the Lodges to grow. This is not an idle promise or speculation, but is based upon the experience of other Lodges that are earnestly supporting Masonic Youth programs. The brochure also discussed what Lodges and individual Masons can do to start or support these programs.

Second, a brochure was drafted on fund-raising guidelines for Masonic Youth groups. Completion of this brochure is pending discussions with representatives from the State of

Alaska, and other groups who are actively involved with funding youth programs. This is helping us to find creative solutions to this ongoing issue.

As an example, last week I was informed of a mini-grant that provides $500 for youth to do a community-based service project. Even though it is a small amount of money, it is sufficient to enable a youth group to complete a project that will be deemed significant by the community. It will increase the likelihood of receiving publicity, which will help with membership and fundraising. Already, the youth are excitedly discussing ideas for their project.

Third, our youth are being recognized, and that provides positive publicity for our Masonic Youth organizations. As an example, the new Kenai DeMolay Chapter Master Councilor was nominated for the Alaska Spirit of Youth award for the work he did in helping organize, lead, and grow the Squires and DeMolay. This is being published in the paper, along with the other local nominees.

Reports by youth organizations

International Order of DeMolay, Alaska State DeMolay Association: DeMolay is growing as planned. When an executive plan was laid out for the restoration in Alaska, it was decided to pursue steady, sustainable growth. A DeMolay group for younger boys (ages 8-11), called the Squires of the Order of The Roundtable, was officially organized in Kenai. This was the first Manor of Squires in the State of Alaska. Shortly after its organization, the Manor had the opportunity to demonstrate it’s ritual to a number of the Grand Lodge officers during their official visit. It grew in size and the members are transitioning into DeMolay.

We have initiated several young men into DeMolay and have submitted a petition to DeMolay International to form a Chapter in Kenai. This is currently the only active or pending chapter in Alaska.

The plan for DeMolay for 2010 is to organize at least one more Chapter. We have received strong interest from youth and adults in the Anchorage, Mat-Su, and Fairbanks areas, so I encourage the Worshipful Masters of Lodges in those areas to take advantage of this energy to help their Lodges grow. We should also support any other Lodges that are ready to make a commitment to their youth and their Lodge’s future.

Also, in 2010 we want to provide opportunities for one or more DeMolay youth to attend the DeMolay International Congress in June, as well as regional leadership training.

If DeMolay continues to grow as planned, we will have a district or state-wide activity in 2011. This will likely be a Conclave, which is like a DeMolay Grand Sessions.

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls: There are four assemblies in Alaska, Nugget in Anchorage, Palmer, Fairbanks, and Juneau. The Juneau Assembly #3 has been in existence since 1932. It currently has

88 about 15 enrolled young ladies who are very active in the Assembly as well as in community service projects. The Grand Worthy Advisor in Alaska for 2009-2010 is from Juneau Assembly #3. Rainbow is for young women ages 11-20.

The 48th Grand Assembly will be held in Anchorage in 2010.

International Order of Job’s Daughters, Job’s Daughters of Alaska: 1. Bethel #1 is the only Bethel in Alaska and is one of the outstanding Bethels worldwide. 2. Bethel #1 has 24 members of which 18 are 100% active, the remaining are part- time participants or in college. 3. Bethel #1 received monies from High 12, when it closed, which was deposited in a dedicated account for girls who financially could not afford Job’s Daughters nor keep up their dues 4. Bethel #1 is viable and has a very strong foundation. It is not in danger of closing as it was 7 years ago. 5. We have active parent participation. 6. Participation by the Masons has shown a definite increase, which has stimulated the parental increase. 7. Prior to this term, when we were hit by the flu, the previous 6 terms had over 50% perfect attendance by the members. 8. Job’s Daughters stresses the importance of education and our members have a combined grade point average of a B (actually 3.2) and is rising. 9. The Bethel has an active Jobie To Bee program for girls under the age of 10 with 6 members. These girls will age in Jobies over the next two years. 10. The Bethel will be attending Supreme Session in Colorado Springs this July. The girls will complete in Ritual Competition, Arts and Crafts Competition, Talent Competition, and the Bethel will be sending a Ritual Team for Team Competition. Because of the growth of the Bethel we do not have enough satin robes for all the girls or robes for everyday wear. 11. We encourage all Masons to come visit the Bethel, which meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10:30 am at the Masonic Center. 12. Job’s Daughters has a charity, HIKE (Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment) Fund. The Bethel raised money that is contributed to the International HIKE Fund and from that we can request grants up to $4,000 for kids in Alaska for hearing aids, training, or special equipment. It doesn’t matter the amount the Bethel raises for this charity. This year the Bethel gave out $15,000 in grants. Since 2001 Bethel #1 has awarded over $92,000 in HIKE grants to Alaskan kids. HIKE is not based on finances and many of our grants now go to the middle income where a $6,000 hearing device is a financial burden. We have awarded one grant to a DeMolay boy and one member of our Bethel has been a grantee.

Conclusions:

In summary, I have two recommendations to the Lodges of this jurisdiction:

1. Start young. By the time a youth is in their mid-teens, there are many distractions: dating, cars, jobs, and other activities, to name a few. It is difficult to get them interested in an organization. However, at the age of 8, 10, or even 12, the youth want opportunities for activities with others of their age, and the parents are often searching for wholesome, worthwhile activities that provide sound training and support positive values. Most of the Masonic youth organizations have a program for younger youth. As these youth mature, it is an easy and natural step for them to transition into the youth program. Thus, retention is much higher. 2. Some of the youth will join Masonic organizations when they become adults. But, equally important are the other family members who take an interest in Masonry. Remember that youth have parents, and those parents will develop an interest in Masonry and Masonic organizations and activities. As and example, over one-half of the members of the advisory council for the Kenai Chapter of DeMolay are non-Masons. Most of these had little or no knowledge of Masonry before becoming involved with DeMolay. This represents a tremendous opportunity to increase membership in all Masonic organizations.

Brethren, I encourage you to support your Masonic Youth programs. They truly are the future of Masonry.

Respectfully Submitted

W Dale H. Gillilan, Chairman W Jesse L. Kvale W Jerry Pinion Jr. W Dwane L. Anderson

Bylaws

During 2009, the Bylaws Committee received four requests for approval of bylaw amendments from Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Alaska

Kenai Lodge #11, Aurora #15, Fairbanks #12, and Eagle River #13 each requested changes and administrative corrections to their bylaws.

All changes were found by the committee to be in proper form and acceptable according to the Alaska Masonic Code.

All requests received unanimous approval and were returned to the Grand Lodge Secretary.

Fraternally,

WB Karl Amundsen, Chairman

VWB Jacques Boiley WB Keith Herve

Public Schools

No report from the Committee on Public Schools was received at the time of publication.

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Report of Grand Chaplain (Necrology)

Note: Some of our deceased Brothers may have belonged to more than one Lodge. Only one Lodge is shown here.

White Pass Lodge No. 1 W Norman Ian Campbell 1-26-2009

Tanana Lodge No. 3 Clarence Donald Mackey Jr. 2-3-2009 Sam S. Corwin 2-11-2009 Roger Ray Nelson 2-16-2009 MW Raymond Laurence Beaver 2-17-2009 William Dwight Pender 3-23-2009 W Charles James Lloyd 7-21-2009 Clyde Edward Lawrence 8-1-2009 Charles Wesley Sanderson 8-4-2009 Milton Dale Mellard 11-27-2009

Valdez Lodge No. 4 Tikey Magionos 3-16-2008

Seward Lodge No. 6 William Robert Esquibel 5-28-2008

Matanuska Lodge No 7 Alvah Clark Buswell 3-4-2008 Billy Mike Mikell ` 2-28-2009

Kodiak Lodge No. 9 W Antonio Adolph Carpine 11-15-2006 W Norman Charles Sutliff 10-21-2008

Glacier Lodge No. 10

Doyle Eugene Keller 6-20-2007 John Clarence Stepp 10-6-2008 Stanley Arthur Montague 11-8-2008 W Alvy Ellsworth Soden 7-30-2009 Charles Sullivan Brown 11-3-2009

Kenai Lodge No. 11 W Allen Benjamin Scouler 1-25-2009 Warren Chris Hoflich 8-25-2009

Fairbanks Lodge No. 12 W George Orlando Darby 10-30-2009

Anchorage Lodge No. 17 Lawrence W. Nelson 9-30-1994 Kenneth Edward Miller 6-18-2007 Horace Willard Nagley II 9-6-2007 Hubert Clair Methvin 2-15-2008 Kenneth Lewis Watkins 8-3-2008 Vernon Eugene Clabby 10-25-2008 Lloyd William McNally 11-7-2008 James Basil Lawson 1-11-2009 Dean Adams Desker 2-25-2009 Robert Earl Barnett 4-24-2009 W Leonard Ray Young 6-7-2009 Victor David Smith 6-23-2009 John Edward Wilson 8-19-2009 Emmett Vernon Roetman 8-28-2009 John Ira Waters 9-8-2009

Mt. Verstovia Lodge No. 18 Francis Neal Vilandre 1-30-2003

Ketchikan Lodge No. 19 W John Alfred Baker 12-16-2008 Melvin Stevenson Hunter 2-13-2009 Wayne Maurice Golden 8-15-2009 W Gerald Raymond Carter 9-23-2009

Iditarod Lodge No. 20 Donald Johnson Childers 2-10-2004 Victor Podpalny 6-7-2009 Walter E. Jerde 9-4-2009 Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux Lodge No. 21 Albert William Gotcher 5-1-2006 Joseph Anton Kendler 1-16-2009

Fred Gordon Baxter 10-14-2009

Petersburg Lodge No. 23 Perry Victor Grimes 5-20-2003

When the door of life closes, another door opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened.

May his life beyond that door Be even more fruitful and rewarding Than the life he led while on this side.

Our condolences go the family and friends of each of these Brethren

Grand Chaplain

Report of Grand Lecturer

In the beginning of the year I prepared a workshop to present to as many Lodges as possible within our Grand Jurisdiction. Fortunately this workshop complimented the Grand Master’s program of “Lodge Officer Training.” I assisted on some of the “Lodge Officer Training” programs and I think many of the attendees felt the two complimented each other surprisingly well. Scheduling many of the workshops was often times challenging, considering numerous conflicts, Lodge activity, and other exigencies it took a lot of help from District Deputies, and Masters. I appreciated all their assistance. That said, however, I did manage to present the workshop to 17 Lodges, and regret that I did not make it to Petersburg, Cordova, or Kodiak.

The purpose of the workshops was to not only instruct in our ritual according to the cipher and the “Standard Work” of the Grand Lodge of Alaska, but also to bring about an understanding of the meaning and reason of how and why it is done. I believe with better understanding some of the points of confusion will be eliminated. The workshop was conducted by going through the first degree opening.

Pausing to explain and clarify various points as we proceeded, spending some time on the Deacons, Stewards, Marshal, and Tyler duties and movements. We then reviewed a few of the details of the various degree rituals, (after excusing any EA’s and FC’s as appropriate). Lastly we reviewed parts of the Drama of the 3rd degree, and the duties and movements of the Deacons, Stewards, and Marshal. The whole workshop was interactive, and the brothers brought up interesting questions, which led to interesting discussions relative to Lodge customs versus Ritual and our code. I know it was educational for myself, and I am hopeful it was for the Brothers as well.

Due to questions and requests from some of the Brothers, and I want to thank them all for the hospitality and Brotherly Love! I particularly want to express my thanks and appreciation to all the Masters, Secretaries, and District Deputies for all the support and assistance.

Lastly I want to thank you Most Worshipful Grand Master for affording me the opportunity to serve our Grand Jurisdiction, it has been a privilege and an honor! Thank You!

Respectfully Submitted

John Bishop Grand Lecturer

Report of Grand Orator

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Officers, Worshipful Masters, Brethren all:

The Grand Master having given me the opportunity to address this twenty-ninth annual communication of the subject of my choice, I have chosen my personal experience and thoughts concerning the Fellowcraft Degree.

To begin with the time frame in which I received the three degrees was extremely short. I was initiated as and Entered Apprentice Mason on September 15, 1953, Passed as a Fellowcraft Mason on September 29, 1953, Raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason on October 1, 1953. By the way I did stand proficiency as a Fellowcraft in open lodge. Nevertheless I was denied the opportunity to fully understand the full impact of being a Fellowcraft Mason. As the years passed and my military service moved me around the country I visited many lodges in various jurisdictions. Never, it seems, when lodge was opened on the Fellowcraft Degree.

There was always the feelings that something was missing but I was never quite sure what it was until many years later (30 or more) here in Alaska I again witnessed the Fellowcraft Degree in all it’s grandeur. There it was; the pillars on the porch, the winding stairs, and the Middle Chamber.

Although it had escaped my consciousness, it was there that I learned what it meant to be and how to become a Mason. Taking one step at a time I learned that nothing so profound can be taught in one degree. By the application of the liberal arts and sciences I learned to embellish my earthly existence. In the middle chamber I learned that we can live in harmony with one another if we remember the three precious jewels of a Fellowcraft Mason. At the end I learned to fully understand that “The Letter G” has a higher and more holy significance and to turn to him in all things.

It does not escape my attention that we as Master Masons wear aprons as Fellowcraft Masons. Perhaps only the Grand Master spends most of his time overseeing the workman. Yet he spends some time hewing the Craft as a mentor and coach. Some may disagree with me, however, I am convinced that we are indeed Fellowcraft Masons in search of the distinction of being “Master of the Craft.”

Masonry teaches me that we must so live as to learn how to die. The Apron and Master Lecture of the Entered Apprentice degree and the drama of the Master Mason degree spend quite some time on the inevitability of death. The Fellowcraft Degree teaches us how to so live that we be ever worthy of that spotless lambskin apron that we are all so justly pound.

Respectfully submitted W Clarence E. Keto Grand Orator

Report of Grand Historian

PREFACE

Humanity has a long history of writing and developing codes and standards for regulating the conduct of organizations and individuals. The Ten Commandments, the Code of Hammurabi, the first set of written laws, which dates from 1760 BC in Mesopotamia, and the Magna Carta of Magna Carta Libertatum (the Great Charter of Freedom) of 1215 AD in England are such examples.

General Baron Von Steuben’s regulations and manual of drill for the Continental Army of 1778 and the United States Constitution of 1787 are more modern examples.

The Masonic fraternity is no different.

All regular Grand Lodges have a written code of regulations for regulating the conduct of the Grand Lodge, the subordinate lodges, and individual members. The Masonic Lodge is one the few private institutions that still maintains a system of jurisprudence and law. The Masonic Code is the law and rules which govern Masonry in any particular jurisdiction. This report will concern the Masonic Code of the Grand Lodge of Alaska.

The Alaska Masonic Code

Winston Churchill wrote that writing history without a proper degree or professional training was like practicing medicine without a license. He did not let that stop him and neither will I. I will attempt to speak reasonably on the subject of the Alaska Masonic Code. A subject about which I know very little.

But I do know this: The code is important. It is so important that when a Worshipful

Master is installed in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Alaska he is presented with the various implements used in the lodge including the Book of Constitutions, he is handed the Alaska Masonic Code, along with the admonition to “…search it all times. Cause it to be read in your lodge. That none may pretend ignorance of the excellent tenants it enjoins.”

Various thoughts have crossed my mind as a way to describe where our Masonic Code had come from.

Thoughts such as:

As a Masonic Code from whence came you?

Or,

Where did it come from someone cried? The wind had blown it is? What does it want another said? Some whiskey, rum, or gin?

But the last one is another Alaskan tale for another time and place.

The Alaska Masonic Code came into being as the results of the desire to create the Grand Lodge of Alaska in 1981 and as a matter of necessity. The first Grand Master of Alaska, MWB James A. Williams explained: the Code had to come first, it being a requirement of recognition. The original Code committee reviewed the Washington Masonic Code step by step and adopted it almost in total for two primary reasons. First, that in the quest for recognition of an Alaskan Masonic Grand Lodge it was thought that a Code that resembled the Washington Masonic Code would help ensure recognition for a new Grand Lodge. Second, that after reviewing the Washington Masonic Code the committee could find little to change as it had been in use in Alaska from the beginning of Alaska’s Masonic history. The first Masonic Lodge charted in Alaska being Sitka Lodge No. 14 in 1869.

Following the genealogy of the Grand Lodge of Alaska we come to the Grand Lodge of Washington established in 1858. To the Grand Lodge of Oregon established in 1851. To the Grand Lodge of California established in 1850. There seems to be a number of Grand Lodges involved in the formation of the Grand Lodge of California: the Grand Lodge of Missouri established in 1821, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia established in 1811, and Grand Lodge of Louisiana established in 1848. After that the trail gets confused as lines start to cross back and forth. Eventually all the Grand Lodges trace back to the Grand Lodge of England established in 1717, Grand Lodge of Ireland established in 1730, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland established in 1736. This is according to the Grand Historian’s address on the genealogy of the Grand Lodge of Washington by WB Howard A. Hanson in the 1941 Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Washington.

The point being that the Alaska Masonic Code has a long blood line and hundreds of years of history behind it. It is like many others. Volumes could be filled on the difference and similarities of the various codes. They are much beyond the scope of this report.

Having established to some extent where the Alaska Masonic Code came from and some of its genealogical roots, I would like to point out a unique feature of the original code that made it different from all others.

The original Alaska Masonic Code contained a provision for those lodges inside the geographical bounds of the State of Alaska that did not join in the Grand Lodge of Alaska to remain sovereign and under the Grand Lodge of Washington until as such time as they would vote to join the Grand Lodge of Alaska or surrender their charters to their parent Grand Lodge.

This provision was included at the insistence of the MWB James Williams to allay and diffuse any misunderstandings and even animosity amongst the brothers concerning the fate of those lodges and brothers belonging to them. I will note here, that in reading the history of the Grand Lodge of Alaska written by MWB James A. Williams, one can see that many of the lodges that were initially in favor or a Grand Lodge Alaska had a sudden change of heart just before the Grand Lodge was formed. It was a near thing. I highly recommend reading the history if you have not. It is available on the Grand Lodge of Alaska website.

Currently the Alaska Masonic Code is about to undergo another revision. It is to be noted that this revision and all previous revisions of the Alaska Masonic Code were reorganizations of the code, such as renumbering of paragraphs, rephrasing of sentences, etc., to make the Code more understandable, easier to read and use, but not changes of the Code. Actual changes to the Code’s requirements and provisions can only be done at a session of the Grand Lodge and only then after being put in proper form and voted on by the Grand Lodge membership. This is proper and good in my opinion. I applaud the work carried out by VWB Roger Hansen on the Code.

I apologize to the Brothers for taking the liberty of using a humorous approach to a Masonic subject of such importance. Without the humor, talking about any Code of Law would be like listening to paint dry.

Thank you for bearing with me during this address.

I have enjoyed being the Grand Historian for this year and thank you all for the privilege.

Respectfully submitted

WB Roger A. Barnstead Grand Historian

Charters and Dispensations

No report from the Charters and Dispensations Committee was received at the time of publication.

Leadership Training

It has been another difficult year for this Master Mason in regards to leading anything, however the Leadership skills of the appointed District Deputies has been the fall back for seeing to future Lodge Officers training. Many thanks are due to those men who lead not only by example but by communicating their experiences and knowledge to our future leaders.

The only Leadership Training meeting I was involved with was for District #4 and with VW Jerry Hughes even though due to a personal traumatic event that happened the day before, I was not in attendance.

The event was held in Juneau over one weekend where Ketchikan, Sitka, Petersburg, and Skagway Lodges were invited to send their prospective members. The Leadership training was held on Saturday with Sunday set aside as a Gun Club fun time to shoot shotguns. Alas, we had no out of town attendees save for VW Hughes.

Mt Juneau-Gastineaux #21 Junior Warden Steven Stewart led the Power Point Projection training assisted by VW Hughes to attendees from the Juneau Lodge. All present were new Master Masons and either recently Raised or already holding an appointed or elected office in that Lodge.

WM Jeff Polizzotto, brought to the floor of Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux #21 stated meeting that the instruction manuals be assigned as the Tool of the stations in that Lodge for continual referral and learning throughout each and every year. The Lodge members voted unanimously to adopt that concept.

This concludes my report Grand Master.

Respectfully yours,

VW Russell D. Shivers, Chairman Leadership and Training

Military Recognition

Most Worshipful Grand Master Distinguished Guests Brethren Friends and Guests

It has been a long standing tradition of The Grand Lodge of Alaska to recognize those men and women who serve our country in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

This year I have been honored to serve as the chairman of that committee joined by brothers Captain Richard Groen and SSG Charles “Chad” Marino. Both have served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Captain Groen is still in Afghanistan and SSG Marino has only recently returned from there.

SSG Moreno his wife Cheryl and Daughter Skylar are our guests this evening as is Sarah Groen the wife of Captain Groen. SSG Marino will you, your family, and Sarah please join me here at the podium.

I learned just this evening that Sarah is herself a veteran of three deployments to Iraq.

This year two soldiers from Fort Richardson both currently serving in Afghanistan have been selected to receive this award of honor. They are:

1LT Kevin Jewell Platoon Leader 3rd Platoon Alpha Troop 1-40 CAV (ABN) and SSG Jarrod Mahfouz Fire Support NCO 3rd BN 509th (ABN) INF

His nominator Capt. Groen reported to me that 1LT Jewell served under him for about eight months and that his platoon is in charge of security of an area roughly the size of Anchorage and all that it might include. Throughout his time he was able to recover an enemy cache consisting of over 48 rocket propelled grenades and detain a high value target. He says 1LT Jewell is a very impressive leader who was hand selected for the toughest missions, where once he held a blocking position and warded off massive enemy attacks and another time held a Combat Outpost on the Pakistan border with only his platoon.

SSgt Marino will tell us about SSG Jarrod Mahfouz:

He told us of the selfless and heroic devotion to duty SSG Mahfouz displayed when his ammunition bunker came under mortar attack in August of last year. He exposed himself to the gasses of exploding ordinance while evacuating and securing the bunker against further escaping fumes.

All four of these soldiers are worthy of our deepest respect. We must not forget that these are not only soldiers on the front lines of defense. They are military families serving in the best tradition of American values here at home as well as in the field. When the soldier deploys to wherever it is he is sent he leaves behind a family. If there are children in the family, his wife becomes for all practical purposes a single mother. She faces the daily routine usually shared by her soldier husband. If employed, she has her own career, kids to bathe, dress, get off to school or day care. Then there are the other activities i.e. hockey, little league, scouts, music lessons, and a myriad of other activities that go into the making of well-rounded kids. Many of these wives spend time

99 mentoring their counterparts and seeing to their wellbeing. Lest we forget there is also the ever-present concern for the wellbeing of her soldier husband.

Tonight we honor the military family as well as the soldiers in whose name these plaques are presented

We were unable to locate the family of 1LT Jewell but will continue our effort to locate them or deliver his plaque when he returns from Afghanistan. It Reads: (read from the plaque)

We also have as our guest tonight Somer Mahfouz the wife of SSG Jarrod Mahfouz. Will you please come forward (read from the plaque)

Brothers and guests please join me in showing these soldiers and their families how much Alaska Masons care for the military family.

W Clarence E. Keto Chair of the Military Appreciation Committee

George Washington National Memorial

No report from the George Washington National Memorial Committee was received at the time of publication.

Russian Masonry

No report from the Russian Masonry Committee was received at the time of publication.

Wills and Endowments

The Wills and Endowment Committee has nothing to report

Fraternally submitted,

MW Gene Freeman PGM

Long-Range Planning

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alaska, F. & A.M.

At the meeting of February 3, 2010 for Long-Range Planning, we request to make only one change in the Strategic Planning. We wish to move the meeting in May to April to allow more time before the Lodges close for the summer. No other changes were made.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, I move the report be received for the record.

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Most Worshipful Grand Master, I move for the adoption of this report.

Respectfully Submitted:

RW Ronald Ackerman SGW

Internet & Publications

Report of the Internet Committee

No report from the Internet Committee was received at the time of publication

Report of the Publications Committee

This committee is pleased to report that it was able to publish a Grand Lodge Newsletter quarterly over the last year. Initially there seemed to be a lot of interest and articles about Masonry in Alaska were forthcoming. However, as the year wore on interest began to wane and by the fourth quarter the committee had to look for articles to publish. To do so was not desirable as the committee felt that the newsletter should be for and about the Craft in Alaska and not a platform to regurgitate information off of the internet or from other publications.

For the most part, the articles that were submitted were well written and they required little editing by the committee. This made the publication of the newsletter a very easy task. All the editor had to do was to format the article and decide where to place it in the newsletter.

In the beginning the committee had hoped that the District Deputies would act as sort of a “reporter on the street” and submit articles about what was happening in their district. This met with little success as inputs were received only by one or two DD’s. (I must admit that one DD submitted an input that the editor lost and is for-ever-more apologetic.)

As the committee chairman I have thought a lot about how to increase interest in the newsletter and thereby increase inputs to it. As a result I have suggestions about what might be done in order to achieve that goal.

1. Each lodge appoints a member who is interested in and has the time to report on lodge activities. I say interest in because the input should be descriptive about what might be done in order to achieve that goal. 2. Encourage input from concordant and appendant bodies. There is a lot of Masonic activity that takes place that no one knows about. 3. The editor takes on the role of “reporter in the street” and contacts each Master or Secretary and interviews them to gain information to use for the production of articles for the newsletter.

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4. The Grand Lodge established an annual award to be given to a newsletter contributor who submits the most interesting article(s) about Masonry in Alaska. Articles received during the quarter would be published in the following quarterly newsletter. During the following Grand Lodge session, the Grand Master would appoint an ad hoc committee to review the articles and recommend an award recipient. The winner would receive a certificate (suitable for framing) in recognition of their achievement.

Admittedly some of these suggestions are more desirable than others, but maybe they will stimulate further thinking on the subject.

Respectfully Submitted

Jared S. Decker PGM, Chairman

Segregations and Reference Committee

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alaska of Free & accepted Masons of Alaska. We the committee on Segregations and Reference, to whom was referred the “Grand Master’s Message” have reviewed the same and report the following:

1. Internet and Website: A review and cost analysis by the finance committee is required. 2. Prince Hall recognition: We recommend this section of the Grand Master’s Message be referred to the following Committees A. Jurisprudence B. Fraternal Relations 3. Restoration of Jonathan Winchester: We recommend this section of the Grand Masters Message be referred to the Jurisprudence Committee. 4. Amity: We recommend this section of the Grand Master’s Message be referred to the following committees A. Jurisprudence B. Fraternal Relations 5. M.O.R.I.: the Grand Master’s recommendation that the per-capita fee paid to the Grand Lodge by the blue lodges be increased by $1.50 per member for a total of $29.00 per member be referred to the Finance Committee. 6. All other sections of the Grand Master’s Message should stand as written.

Respectfully Submitted:

L. V. “Joe” Dees, PGM Charles Corbin, PGM Don Chaffin, PGM

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Ritual Consolidation Committee

We the Committee on Ritual Consolidation, submit the following report:

The final formatting of the three Ritual books of the three degrees and the Alaska Monitor has been completed and a copy produced. This first edition of the final formatting will be printed using red lettering for those words from the three ritual books and black lettering for wording from the Monitor. Some Masonic pictures are strategically placed among the pages and will be in black and white only.

A note book for the pages has not been designed at this time. A standard note book for 8 ½ by 11 inch pages has thus far been used for the original draft copies made at the beginning of 2009. I suggest we continue on this path until the final acceptance is made at the Grand Lodge sessions.

The basic cost for printing the existing 101 two-sided pages is expected to be high. My own investigation indicated the cost of printing the pages in color is 49 cents per copy or around 100 dollars per book. Copies in black and white will run approximately 30 dollars per book.

A resolution to adopt a bylaw to allow this work to progress has been submitted. Most of the work left to do will depend somewhat on the acceptance of the following Resolution:

Emergent Resolution 2010-1 which is to add Section 8.04 to Chapter 8 of the AMC.

Even though the formatting is complete, there is much left to do on this project. Editing and production processing along with cost analysis will be the challenge for 2010.

I believe that the Grand Secretary has offered his help in the process. His expertise will be most welcome. Thank you brother Grand Secretary.

And Thank You, MW Bo Cline for allowing me to be a part of a committee, it was a pleasure and a challenge.

Respectfully Submitted

Charles E. Corbin, PGM Lloyd E. Triggs, PGM V. Clifford Darnell, PDD

Alaska Masonic Code Review Committee

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alaska, F. & A.M.

We the Committee on Alaska Masonic Code Review, submit the following report,

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Before going any further, no new code was created with this review of the Alaska Masonic Code, only corrections were made to bring it up-to-date. Also everything corrected or added was duly noted and the Grand Secretary has a copy of all the items noted. The body of the Code is one-hundred-thirty-four pages in length and there are fifty-one pages of notations and corrections. Anything that was done to the code was duly noted

The purpose of the committee was to review and correct the code for the following items as directed by Grand Master John R. “Bo” Cline: 1. Inconsistencies (note the only consistent item found about the Alaska Masonic Code was that it was totally inconsistent consistently). 2. Incongruities (something that does not seem to fit in with or be appropriate to the context). 3. Missing information, and 4. Typographical errors.

During the course of the investigation a fifth item was added by the code review committee and that this review is not a witch hunt as to find out who entered the data incorrectly or to point fingers at a particular person who entered or left out items in the code as the case may be.

The code review committee wishes to thank the following brethren for their help in answering questions: MW Don Chaffin, MW Stan Foulke, MW Hank Dunbar, MW Charles Corbin, MW Lloyd Triggs, RW Jerome Wasson, VW V. Clifford Darnell, RW Jerry Fairley, VW Ken Creamer, W Thomas Westall, W Eugene Mockerman, W Mike Starkey, and those people who have helped in the typing, formatting, and general help with the Microsoft Word program: Cindy Knutson, Pamela Blanchard, and Stephen Schrader

Before starting the review, the Grand Secretary asked if something could be done to make the appearance any better. In the Code, the review committee found that the only standard that the Code had was that there was no standard. In the old appearance, it was sometimes unable to discern when the paragraphs began and ended, and the entering of the Code was not consistent. It was found that: data had been entered by tab, tab, tab, etc.; pages had tabs set at 1/100 of an inch; pages were scanned in; the numerical and alphabetical items did not line up; the spacing of the text after the numbering or lettering was not consistent; and sentences aligned both sides of each page after the numbered and alphabetical items.

After the review and correction of the Code, it is: easier to read; able to discern the beginning and ending of the paragraphs; everything is consistent from page to page; alphabetical letters and numerical items are in the same place on all the pages; character spacing after each alphabetical letter and number is consistent from page to page; and sentences/phrases after the alphabetical and numerical items are aligned with the beginning word after the alphabetical letter or number and with the right side of the sheet.

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To ensure that the Code was properly reviewed and corrected, the committee had to start from the beginning and check the original Code (1981), the clarified Code (1988) and all the passed resolutions to date.

The original Alaska Masonic Code was the 1981 Washington Masonic Code and was numerical in appearance and had only two sections “Articles” and “Sections.” It utilized thirty-seven articles and two-hundred-seventy-four sections. These articles and sections did not correlate straight across to our present Alaska Masonic Code.

In 1987, a committee was formed by MW Fred Angleton to put the Code into chapters and sections (today’s format). No new code was made and most of the sections were clarified with revised phraseology. This committee was composed of W Les Little, W Marvin Fitzpatrick, VW Frank Erie, W Russell Burnett, W Dennis Bump, and MW James Williams. In 1988 this clarified Code was adopted.

In the 1988 clarified Code and the existing Code to the present, there is no distinction between those sections that were clarified and the original code not clarified. In our review of the Code, it was decided that those sections that been clarified were given a revision notation “Section clarified 1988” and those sections not clarified were not given any notation.

For presentation to the Grand Lodge, five of the worst examples of the sections needed correcting, and the corrected sections were shown with corrections noted. These examples are:

1ST EXAMPLE

AS IT READS NOW

Section 1.03 Constitution SUPREME JURISDICTION. This Grand Lodge has supreme jurisdiction over all matters of Ancient Craft Masonry within the territorial limits of the State of Alaska and over such Lodges as it may hereafter establish in open territory belonging to the United States of America; except that it may share its supreme jurisdiction with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Alaska and its Jurisdiction. It does not recognize or admit the existence of any coordinate or superior Masonic authority, however styled, and it has the inherent power to investigate and determine all Masonic Matters relating to the Craft in general, to particular Lodges, and to individual Brethren, either directly or by its delegated authority, and its authority cannot be called into question. A Mason’s conduct is judged that of a Master Mason subject to the discipline as provided in the Masonic Code. This sharing of jurisdiction also provides limited recognition, which establishes mutual visitation rights with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Alaska. (Section revised 1997.)

HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO READ

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It does not recognize or admit the existence of any coordinate or superior Masonic authority, however styled, and, with the above exception, it has the inherent power to investigate and determine all Masonic Matters relating to the Craft in general, to particular Lodges, and to individual Brethren, either directly or by its delegated authority, and its authority cannot be called into question. A Mason’s conduct is judged that of a Master Mason subject to the discipline as provided in the Masonic Code.

This sharing of jurisdiction also provides limited recognition, which establishes mutual visitation rights with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Alaska upon their reciprocation. (Section clarified 1988, revised 1997)

The section was clarified in 1988 and revised in 1997. In the code of today, only two paragraphs are indicated (but are hard to discern) and two portions of two sentences are not included. The corrected section clearly indicates three paragraphs and the two phrases are added in accordance to the resolution.

2ND EXAMPLE

AS IT READS NOW

Section 2.02 Bylaw ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. 1. The following Grand Lodge Officers are elected by ballot at each Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge: a Grand Master, a Deputy Grand Master, a Senior Grand Warden, a Junior Grand Warden, a Grand Treasurer and a Grand Secretary. A majority of the votes cast is necessary for election. All other Grand Officers and Deputies of the Grand Master must be appointed by the Grand Master elect before his installation. Ballot Boxes for balloting on the Grand Lodge Officers may be opened at any time after the Annual Communication is opened and may not be closed until any delegate who has not balloted is given an opportunity to ballot after the noon recess on the second day. The final opportunity to ballot takes precedence over all other matters that afternoon. The election must be concluded before the Grand Lodge can be recessed. 2. A person desiring to serve as Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, or Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge may, at least 120 days preceding the Annual Communication, file with the Grand Secretary a Statement of Availability containing a resume of his service to his Symbolic Lodge and to the Grand Lodge. All such Statements must be duplicated and forwarded by the Grand Secretary to all Constituent Lodges for study at least 75 days prior to the next Annual Grand Communication. This

106 action does not preclude the right of the Grand Lodge to elect an eligible member without such statement. 3. Past Masters who are members of this Grand Lodge as specified in Section 2.01 are eligible for Grand Office except that any Master Mason who is a member in good standing of a Lodge of this Jurisdiction may be appointed Grand Chaplain, Grand Organist, or Grand Tyler. 4. Ballot boxes for balloting on Grand Lodge Officers may be opened at any time after the annual Communication is opened and may not be closed until any delegate who has not balloted is given an opportunity to ballot after the noon recess on the second day. 5. The final opportunity to ballot takes precedence over all other matters that afternoon. (Section revised 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1999.)

HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO READ

Section 2.02 Bylaw ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. The following Grand Lodge Officers are elected by ballot at each Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge: a Grand Master, a Deputy Grand Master, a Senior Grand Warden, a Junior Grand Warden, a Grand Treasurer and a Grand Secretary. A majority of the votes cast is necessary for election. All other Grand Officers and Deputies of the Grand Master must be appointed by the Grand Master-elect before his installation. Ballot Boxes for balloting on the Grand Lodge Officers may be opened at any time after the Annual Communication is opened and may not be closed until any delegate who has not balloted is given an opportunity to ballot after the noon recess on the second day. The final opportunity to ballot takes precedence over all other matters that afternoon. The election must be concluded before the Grand Lodge can be recessed. A person desiring to serve as Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, or Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge may, at least 120 days preceding the Annual Communication, file with the Grand Secretary a Statement of Availability containing a resume of his service to his Symbolic Lodge and to the Grand Lodge. All such Statements must be duplicated and forwarded by the Grand Secretary to all Constituent Lodges for study at least 75 days prior to the next Annual Grand Communication. This action does not preclude the right of the Grand Lodge to elect an eligible member without such statement.

Past Masters who are members of this Grand Lodge as specified in Section 2.01 are eligible for Grand Office except that any Master Mason who is a member in good standing of a Lodge of this Jurisdiction may be appointed Grand Chaplain, Grand Organist, or Grand Tyler. (Section revised 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1994, 1999)

The 1981 and 1988 clarified codes indicated three unnumbered paragraphs. Between 1988 and 1999 the three paragraphs were numbered. Between 1999 and 2009 items 4 and 5 were added. These two items are verbatim per the third and second from the last sentences of the first paragraph. We find no resolution(s) numbering the paragraphs or adding items 4 and 5. The committee decided to eliminate items 4 and 5 and delete the numbering of the paragraphs as shown in the 1981 and 1988 codes.

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3RD EXAMPLE

AS IT READS NOW

Section 5.13 Bylaw LONG RANGE PLANNING. The Committee on Long Range Planning shall conduct long-range planning for the purpose of improving Masonry in Alaska. This process includes, but is not limited to, setting goals and developing and implementing programs designed to encourage membership growth, financial security, enhanced administrative capability, successful lodge management, positive public image, and overall support to the lodges and Members of the Craft. The Committee shall be appointed annually by the Grand Master and report as specified in Section 5.02 of the Alaska Masonic Code. (Adopted 1998)

HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO READ

Section 5.13 Bylaw LONG-RANGE PLANNING. The Committee on Long-Range Planning shall conduct long-range planning for the purpose of improving Masonry in Alaska. This process includes, but is not limited to, setting goals and developing and implementing programs designed to encourage membership growth, financial security, enhanced administrative capability, successful lodge management, positive public image, and overall support to the Lodges and members of the Craft. The Committee shall be composed of the Elected Grand Lodge Officers and the immediate Past Grand Master. The Grand Master may appoint others as he deems necessary in an advisory capacity. (Section adopted 1998)

This section was adopted in 1998. The last two sentences of the adopted section were dropped and changed to one entirely different sentence. The correction to this section was made in accordance to the resolution creating this section. 4TH EXAMPLE

AS IT READS NOW

Section 9.02 Bylaw FEES. Fees charged by the Grand Lodge are as follows: 1. For each dispensation to form a new Lodge, two hundred and fifty dollars; 2. For each charter granted to a new Lodge, fifty dollars; 3. For each dispensation to authorize the conferring of a degree in less than statutory time, ten dollars; and 4. For each dispensation issued for any other purpose, ten dollars. (Section revised 1988)

HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO READ

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Section 9.02 Bylaw FEES. Fees charged by the Grand Lodge are as follows: 1. For each dispensation to form a new Lodge, two hundred and fifty dollars; 2. For each charter granted to a new Lodge, fifty dollars; 3. For each dispensation to authorize the conferring of a degree in less than statutory time, ten dollars; 4. For each dispensation issued for any other purpose, ten dollars. 5. For management of the Grand Lodge Life Membership Fund, one-half of one percent of the yearly interest earned. (Section clarified 1988, revised 1988, 1996)

When this section was revised in 1996, a fifth item was supposed to have been added but that never occurred. The item was added to the section in accordance to the resolution the code review committee. The Grand Lodge has probably been operating all this time without obtaining the funds as so noted in that item.

5TH EXAMPLE

AS IT READS NOW

Section 9.09 Bylaw GRAND LODGE PER CAPITA LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND. A member of a lodge or lodges in this jurisdiction desiring membership in this fund may do so by, applying to the Grand Secretary on a form supplied by the Grand Lodge and through the Secretary of the lodge which he is a member of, for such membership. All Fees must be paid in full prior to obtaining Membership in the Fund. 1. Upon his receiving full Membership, a member’s Per Capita fees that are presently paid by the lodge or lodges of which he is a member shall be paid by the Grand Lodge, beginning the year following his final payment and membership recognition 2. If he is a member of more than one lodge and upon full life Membership in the Grand Lodge Per Capita Fund, the Grand Lodge shall pay the Members per capita fees jointly and in full for each lodge that he is a member of. 3. Fees for Life Membership shall be $1000.00, payable at the time of application. Arrangements may be made through the Grand Secretary at the time of application, to submit a $100.00 application fee and an annual payment of a minimum of $100.00 until the financial obligation for membership is satisfied. 4. Distribution of earnings, all fees for membership are permanently invested and cannot be withdrawn, and all interest earned shall be distributed as follows. A. 70% of the interest earned may be placed in the General Account of the Grand Lodge of Alaska. B. 30% of the funds interest earnings shall be reinvested in the permanent, Per Capita Life Membership Fund. C. The Finance Committee may reinvest more than the 30% but not less than 30%. D. The per capita fees, upon full membership, shall be drawn from the Grand Lodge General Fund.

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5. Investment. The Principal of this fund shall be invested by the Grand Lodge Finance Committee and reported upon at each Grand Lodge Session. 6. Record Keeping. The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer shall maintain a record of all Brothers who apply as well as to their status within the fund, as applies to their payment of fees. A. Upon a Brother becoming a Life Member in the Per Capita Fund, the Grand Secretary shall give written notification of such membership to each Lodge that the Brother is a member of. B. If a Brother has opted for the payment plan, the Grand Secretary shall inform all Lodges of which he is member, of his status in the fund, along with the Grand Lodge annual statement to the Lodges for reimbursement of per capita fees. C. All Per Capita fees charged to a lodge or Lodges of which a Brother is a member and upon his being fully vested in the Grand Lodge Per Capita Life Membership Fund, shall be deducted from the Annual Statement of per capita fees sent to all lodges of which he is a member. D. All lodges must continue to report this Brother as a member in good standing in their annual membership report to the Grand Lodge. Such lodge may make an entry in their lodge records regarding the status of a life membership in the Grand Lodge Per Capita Life Membership Fund. E. The Grand Lodge Secretary shall issue a certificate, suitable for framing, to each member of the Fund. F. A plaque with the name and date of Membership of all Brothers who become a Member, presently and in the future, shall be displayed at the Grand Lodge Office. (Section added 2006)

HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO READ

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Investment. The Principal of this fund shall be invested by the Grand Lodge Finance Committee and reported upon at each Grand Lodge Session.

This section was added to the code in 2006 and the first two paragraphs were entered correctly. In the existing code, paragraphs three through six are numbered however, yet the resolution creating this section does not indicate these paragraphs to be numbered at all. Item four of the existing code indicates the sub-paragraphs to be indicated as letters A through B, yet the adopted resolution indicates these sub-paragraphs to be indicated as numbers 1 through 4. The existing code of today indicates that the sub-paragraphs below paragraph number 6 are indicated as letters A through F, yet these sub-paragraphs are indicated as numbers 1-6 in the adopted resolution. Finally, in sub-paragraph B under

111 item 4 of the existing code, the phrase “30% of” was added to the beginning of the sentence. This addition is not shown in the adopted resolution.

The Table of Contents, Rulings and Decisions, Grand Masters Rulings and Decisions, and Index were reviewed, spelling checked and corrected accordingly, alphabetized, and items in the appropriate sections were made consistent to the Code.

Finally, the code review committee recommends the following items: 1. Form a committee of no less than two Masons to review the Alaska Masonic Code to ensure the code is updated correctly; and identify and correct errors in spelling, English usage, punctuation, and overall consistency. 2. The code review committee is to work closely with the Grand Secretary and the Jurisprudence Committee, 3. To identify and provide all the forms and certificates as noted in the several sections of the Alaska Masonic Code. As noted in thirty-nine sections of the Code, the Grand Secretary is to furnish certain forms and certificates (thirty-five as identified) of which the Grand Lodge has only about one-half. The committee has collected several of the forms and certificates from the Grand Lodge of Washington. Thank you RW David Owen Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Washington and his staff for being so helpful in obtaining these items. 4. The committee would appreciate any input of brethren who identify errors in the Alaska Masonic Code document or have comments concerning the corrections of the Code, to please coordinate through the Grand Secretary.

Respectfully Submitted

VW Roger K. Hansen PDD, Chairman VW James R. Herrington MW Les Little

Reports of the District Deputies of the Grand Master

District 1

No report from the District Deputy was received at the time of publication

District 2

No report from the District Deputy was received at the time of publication

District 3

District No. 3 has had a good year. All three lodges performed numerous degrees and added many new members to the Fraternity. All should be commended for their efforts.

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I attended all three lodges numerous times and the quality of work being done in each lodge continues to improve. There is still some improvement needed but overall the lodges are on the same page. It has been a pleasure for me to attend a lodge meeting and hear the quality of work being done.

I attended the lodges at the Grand Master’s official visit as well as conducting a District Deputies official visit. I want to thank the lodges for their kindness and brotherly love afforded me at those visits.

The Lodges in District No. 3 are offering some Masonic education at their meetings, however, I do think rather than reading something from the internet or things like that, they should be discussing the Alaska Masonic Code and the duties of the officers in the line. It appeared that some of the newer members who have been appointed to the officer line were unaware of their duties. I think discussing the duties of the officers should be an essential part of the Masonic education of every lodge.

I conducted a lodge officer’s training session in February and had many members and officers from the lodges attend. I personally think we all learned something from it as there was much discussion on the several topics covered. I do want to thank all those who helped me in conducting the session. I also think this session should go back to the two (2) day session as the time on a one day session just isn’t long enough to cover all the material well enough. I also think the Grand Lodge should come up with some kind of training dealing with duties of the officers and covering the Alaska Masonic Code. If we want good lodges doing the right thing we need to train the officers on how to do it.

It has been a pleasure serving the Grand Master, MW John R. “Bo” Cline this year as District Deputy. I thank him very much for appointing me to that position.

Respectfully Submitted

VW Tom Schram District Deputy, District No. 3

District 4

No report from the District Deputy was received at the time of publication

District 5

District 5 had a great year. I had the opportunity to attend all three lodges during their stated meetings as well as most of their degree work. Each lodge held their stated meetings on the date prescribed and conducted lodge business in a prompt manner and took care of the issues that required their attention. It is noteworthy that each lodge is trying to shorten their stated meetings. This allows for more friendship after the meetings.

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All three lodges had some degree work and it was completed in due form. I was not present during all of the degree work for each lodge. Each lodge can be proud of the work they have done over the past year.

Matanuska Lodge #7, Eagle River Lodge #13, and Iditarod Lodge #20 participated in several community events and promoted Masonry in a very positive manner. All three lodges are active in their community by contributing money in the form of scholarships and school supplies. They also participated in the annual 4th of July parade in Palmer and the Bear Paw Festival parade in Eagle River.

Elections were held and the installation of new officers was completed professionally yet in a humorous manner. The newly elected and appointed officers are looking forward to duties in the new positions.

Respectfully Submitted

VW James R. Herrington Deputy of the Grand Master District 5

Awards Committee

James A. Williams Award

The recipient of the James A. Williams Award for honoring the Alaska Lodge with the largest number of Master Masons raised was presented to Aurora 15 for the year 2009.

Buckley C. Hazen Award

The recipient of the Buckley C. Hazen Award for the largest percentage membership growth was presented to Mt. Juneau-Gastineaux Lodge No. 21 for the year 2009.

Military Recognition Award

The recipients of the military recognition award of honor are presented to two soldiers from Fort Richardson both currently serving in Afghanistan . They are: 1LT Kevin Jewell Platoon Leader 3rd Platoon Alpha Troop 1-40 CAV (ABN) and SSG Jarrod Mahfouz Fire Support NCO 3rd BN 509th (ABN) INF

Grand Lodge Scholarship Recipient

The recipient of the Grand Lodge of Alaska one-thousand dollar scholarship award for the academic year 2010-2011 is Lindsay Bristol Clark of Auke Bay, Alaska.

The fifteen other student applicants will receive certificates for their efforts.

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Respectfully Submitted,

Stephen Wright, Chairman

Grand Mater’s Award for Excellence

The Grand Master's Award for Excellence was earned by the following Masters in 2009:

W Montgomery J. Schefers Glacier Lodge No.10 W Glen Faulkner Kenai Lodge No. 11 W Michael Leroux Fairbanks Lodge no. 12 W Nick J. Choromanski Eagle River Ldoge No. 13 W Paul S. Gabbert Aurora Lodge No. 15 W Richard Grant Iditarod Lodge No. 20 W Jeff DeFreest Mt. Juneau – Gastineaux Lodge No. 21

Mason of the Year

It is a pleasure to announce this year's recipient of the Grand Lodge of Alaska Mason of the Year Award: VW Marvin R. Harned, Valdez Lodge #4.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Grand Lodge of Alaska Corporation Annual Meeting

Call to order by Chairman MW Grand Master John R. “Bo” Cline

Roll call of officers:

Chair Bo Cline Vice Chair Johnnie Wallace Treasurer Jim Grubbs Secretary Jerry Wasson Member Jared Decker Member Ron Ackerman Member Jerry Pinion

Reading of minutes of previous meeting.

Old Business: Alaska Masonic license plate

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Grand Lodge web page upgrade

New Business: Annual and biennial reporting to the State of Alaska Selection of board members for 2010 and election of officers Adjourn.

Alaska Masonic Foundation for Children Annual Meeting

Call to order by Vice Chairman MW Grand Master John R. “Bo” Cline

Roll call of officers:

Chair Marvin Harned (not present) MW John R. “Bo” Cline opened meeting Vice Chair Bo Cline Treasurer Jim Grubbs Secretary Jerry Wasson Member of the Board Jared Decker Reading of minutes of previous meeting.

Old Business: IRS approval of 501 (c) 3 Direct appeal for contributions Status of Scholarship Status of Alaska Masonic Model Student Assistance Program

New Business: Review and/or approval of proposed Mission Statement Exploration of funding strategies (Pick-Click-Give, grants, etc.) Annual and Biennial Reporting to the State of Alaska Selection of Board members for 2010 and election of officers Nomination for and selection of a Masonic Model State Coordinator

Special Activities: Introduction of the 2009 Scholarship Committee Introduction of the Executive Director of the National Masonic Foundation for Children

Adjourn

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Contributions to the Grand Lodge of Alaska 2010 Annual Communication

Contribution From: To: For: Amount

Valdez Lodge No. 4 Grand Lodge Travel Fund $75.00

Glacier Lodge No. 10 Grand Lodge General Fund $1,000.00

Eagle River Lodge No. 13 Grand Lodge General Fund $500.00

Anchorage Lodge No. 17 Grand Lodge Travel Fund $826.05

Sterling Lodge No. 22 Grand Lodge General Fund $250.00

Jared Decker Grand Lodge M.O.R.I. $500.00

John Bishop Grand Lodge M.O.R.I. $38.00

Ed Weisser Grand Lodge A.M.F.C. $1,000.00

Jared Decker Grand Lodge A.M.F.C. $500.00

MW Bo Cline & Beth Cline Grand Lodge A.M.F.C. $1,000.00

Cash-Various brothers Grand Lodge M.O.R.I. $820.00

Total: $6,509.05

Speeches by Distinguished Guests

Remarks Sawyer Gillian, DeMolay International, of Alaska

Thank your, Most Worshipful Master Bo Cline. I bring greetings from the DeMolay and Squires of Alaska to the members of Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alaska.

What is DeMolay? It is a group dedicated to promoting leadership and financial management, because the members and adults both are the group’s leaders, organizers, and hosts. It also teaches the members how to step up to a position of leadership.

There are two groups of DeMolay, the Squires, ages 8-11, and DeMolay, ages 12-21. For both groups, any male who wishes to join simply fills an application with a fee, and then has degree work and obligations. Only DeMolay has a second degree, however. The membership process is somewhat similar to Masonic membership.

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The History of DeMolay – DeMolay was formed in 1919 by Dad Land, who saw a number of young men who were lacking father figures, and formed DeMolay and created the ritual, and since then it has grown internationally. Just recently they started a large chapter in Romania.

DeMolay in Alaska – At one time DeMolay was very strong in Alaska as well, but interest in membership began declining around 20 years ago, and reached the point where there no active chapters at all. We are now seeing a new interest in membership, and we also currently have a chapter in Soldotna that is awaiting approval. We also have a Squires Manor that is almost a year old. Youth in Fairbanks and Mat-Su are also expressing an interest in DeMolay. We do currently need adults to support DeMolay chapters in these area and the rest of the state.

Why support DeMolay - With support from adults, more youth would have access to leadership tools. DeMolay and other youth organizations also help to promote membership for Masonic organizations as well. An example of this is our advisory council, over half of which are non-Masons and women, including some who knew nothing about Masons. This gives them an idea of what Masonic organizations are about.

Our goals with DeMolay – The jurisdiction has a goal of establishing at least one or two more chapters this year and increasing membership. The jurisdiction also wishes to have a DeMolay at the DeMolay International Congress in June, as well as sending at least one youth to a regional leadership training camp. We also wish to plan our first statewide activity.

Expectations – The expectations of a term of office for a Master Councilor are a Masonic relations activity, community service activity, fundraiser, large recruitment activity, and a fellowship activity with another chapter. As the newly elected Master Councilor of the Kenai Chapter, these are my personal goals.

In closing, I encourage each Lodge to consider sponsoring a youth organization.

Sawyer Gillian Master Councilor, Kenai Chapter

Remarks of Brynn Johnson, International Order of Jobs Daughters

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alaska, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good Morning:

On behalf of Bethel #1, Anchorage, Alaska, International Order of Job’s Daughters, it is my pleasure and honor to welcome you all to the 2010 Grand Lodge activities.

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My name is Brynn Johnson and I am currently the Honored Queen of Bethel #1, Anchorage, International Order of Job’s Daughters. It is a great honor for me to address all of you this morning on behalf of Job’s daughters. Job’s Daughters is an organization for girls between the ages of 10 and 20, the only Masonic youth organization whose membership requirement is based on Masonic relationship. It is this legacy that binds every Job’s Daughter to each Master Mason sitting here today.

Bethel #1 was the 1st Bethel established in Alaska and is now the only Bethel in Alaska. It gives me great pleasure to report to the Grand Lodge that Bethel #1 is a healthy, viable, strong, functioning youth organization. We currently have 24 members of which 20 are active by attending all meetings and activities. During most terms over one-half of our members have perfect attendance. Education is a priority of Job’s Daughters and our Bethel has a combined Grand Point Average of over a B.

It is frequently asked what makes Job’s Daughters different than 4-H, Girl Scouts, or the Boy Scouts. It is the ritual work handed down through the years that makes Job’s Daughters unique. There is symbolism that is common in each of our Masonic organizations, a thread that ties the adult organizations to your organizations and defines the Masonic family. Much of the Job’s Daughter ritual is linked to the Masonic ritual. Even the construction of our robes is based on Masonic principles.

As you go about the business of Grand Lodge 2010 give a pause and remember how important Masonic heritage is to the Job’s Daughters and that we are the future of the Masonic organizations.

Your active involvement lets us learn about you and allows you to teach us the principles which govern the Masonic organization. You teach us what a Mason is and should be and what we see we will reflect in our lives. You do make a difference in our lives. It may not be realized now but as we become older your contributions will be remembered. No matter how insignificant you think your influence was, when you reach out you will have had a hand in building our character, morals, and shaping our values so that we can mature into adults ready to face life squarely, to make sound decisions, and be your future leaders.

Your involvement will also assure that Job’s Daughters will continue to exist in Alaska.

Thank you for inviting me this morning and have a great 2010 session.

Brynn Johnson Honored Queen, Bethel #1 Job’s Daughters International

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Remarks of International Order of Rainbow for Girls in Alaska

Grand Master, Distinguished East, and friends, on behalf of Mrs. Hazelton, Supreme Deputy and all of the Rainbow girls in Alaska, I bring greetings and best wishes for a successful Grand Lodge Session.

Alaska Rainbow started 2010 with 51 girls and 3 assemblies. No gain or loss from last year. Those 51 girls are participating in my memorable Reggae-themed Grand Year. Initially this seems like just a reflection of my taste in music. However, traditional reggae music is also noted for its messages of social awareness, equality, and caring for others. In other words, very similar to Rainbow’s mission of service, crafted by you. I want the girls to come away with a new appreciation for their individualism while at the same time reminding them that by helping others, we all have the ability to change the world. We have been changing the world by collecting school supplies for children in Peru, making holiday cards for senior homes, holding a murder mystery and a regressive dinner in honor of The Masons and Order of the Eastern Star, cleaning up after the Shriner’s Turkey Bash, holding Halloween and Christmas parties to increase membership, and many other fun and even not-so-fun activities.

You are more important to the Rainbow Girls than you many know. You have created this Masonic Family for us to grow in. From personal experience, the most successful and fun functions are the ones in which more than one Masonic organization comes together for a common purpose. We love seeing you and the interest in the girlhood of your country that we exist; you are an inspiration and a help. You also have daughters, granddaughters, and nieces in whom you can ignite an interest in Rainbow and the Masonic Family. Like Job’s daughters, we don’t need to explain who we are, what we do, or dispel myths to you. We also need to find our Majority Sisters who have moved away or gotten married and changed their names and remind them about us. In return, we pledge to offer programs and events that you can bring your family members to so they can meet us, feel welcome, and want to join. With each Masonic daughter, granddaughter, and niece comes a friend from non-Masonic homes. These girls are the ones that hopefully will join Amaranth and Eastern Star as adults.

I invite you to join the Rainbow Girls at the 48th Reggae Grand Session in Anchorage June 14-17 to hear more about how we’ve changed the world this year.

Thank you.

Remarks of MW Harry W. C. Oberg III Grand Master of Wyoming

COWBOY JOE’S RIDE

A midnight ride for Cowboy Joe He’s spent the night with “Lady Flo”. To get a drink you didn’t go far

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Flo lived above a cowboy bar.

Her room was gaudy to say the least All kinds of scents to tame the beast. With pillows scattered all around In shades of purple, green and brown.

Time spent with her was not so cheap Then time for home and get some sleep. Ranch was just miles from the town Moon was full, trail easily found.

Snow had fallen just that day And covered fields that once were hay. Now through some trees and over the hill The night was silent, the wind was still.

He whistled a tune as he rode along Cause Flo had sung his favorite song. Off in the distance some voices joined in Oh what a sound, did goose bump his skin.

Voice of the wolves did draw near And Cowboy Joe was beginning to fear. Plan for the night had just been a trifle How he now wished he’d carried his rifle.

Moon cast shadows were moving around Wolves were howling a terrible sound. His horse was also showing some fear Wolves he could see as they did draw near.

He ran his horse now fast as he could Wolves kept up as he knew they would. O’er stream and sage how long could they last? Wolves kept on coming, oh they were fast!

They took his horse down now, flying he went Prayers were not answered, angels not sent. Wolf leaping toward him he knew he was dead He woke with a thump when he fell from his bed.

ELECTION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

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The following are the results of the election of officers for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and accepted Masons of Alaska.

Grand Master: Johnnie L. Wallace – 128 votes (station accepted)

Deputy Grand Master: Ronald L. Ackerman – 126 votes (station accepted) Jerry Pinion – 1 vote Wallace Rowald – 1 vote

Senior Grand Warden: Jerry W. Pinion – 128 votes (station accepted)

Junior Grand Warden: James R. Herrington – 75 votes (station accepted) Russell Shivers – 7 votes Dale Gillilan – 2 votes John Bishop – 42 votes one blank ballot

Grand Treasurer: James D. Grubbs – 126 votes (station accepted) Mike Swenson – 1 vote

Grand Secretary Jerome P. Wasson – 122 votes (station accepted) Frank Weiss – 5 votes John R. “Bo” Cline – 1 vote

INSTALLATION OF GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

An open installation for the 2010 - 2011 officers for the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska was conducted at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel on February 5, 2010.

OPENING CEREMONIES Welcome and Introduction of Installing Officers by MW John R “Bo” Cline.

INSTALLING OFFICERS Installing Officer MW Gene R. Freeman Installing Officer MW Henry T. Dunbar, Installing Officer MW L.V. “Joe” Dees Installing Marshal MW Charles E. Corbin

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Installing Marshal MW Harry J. Koenen Installing Chaplain MW Don G. Chaffin II Installing Secretary MW Thomas O. Mickey Keeper of the Jewels MW Lloyd W. Triggs Installing Musician Sister Alice Chaney

ELECTED OFFICERS

Grand Master MW Johnnie L. Wallace (Mary) Deputy Grand Master RW Ronald L. Ackerman (Debbie) Senior Grand Warden RW Jerry W. Pinion (Ginger) Junior Grand Warden RW James R. Herrington (Chia) Grand Treasurer RW James D. Grubbs (Tes) Grand Secretary RW Jerome P. Wasson (Sandra)

APPOINTED OFFICERS

Grand Chaplain W Van O. Chaney (Alice) Grand Lecturer VW Thomas L. Schram (Bonnie J) Grand Orator VW Rex C. Hasty Grand Historian W Roger A. Barnstead (Sheryl) Grand Marshal W Jeffrey W. Defreest (Martha) Senior Grand Deacon W James S. Zuke Junior Grand Deacon W Nicholas J. Choromanski (Tammy) Grand Standard Bearer W Carl J. Lindstrom Grand Sword Bearer W James P. Peasley Grand Bible Bearer W Timothy Jackson Senior Grand Steward W Paul S. Gabbert Junior Grand Steward W Michael S. Leroux Grand Organist W Dwight E. Morris (Deanna) Grand Tyler W Timothy J. Jellison (Joan)

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